2nd Suspect Sought in Rawlings’ Kidnap, Death

A fugitive using the name of another man, who is in prison, is being sought by police as the second suspect wanted in the February kidnapping and death of a young Woodland Hills telemarketing businessman.

Police on Friday said a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Boris George “Booney” Graham, 27, of Pacoima.

Graham and an alleged accomplice, Kirell Taylor, 24, of Pacoima, who was charged with the crime in August, are accused of attacking Christopher Rawlings and forcing him into the trunk of his Bentley. Rawlings died after the car crashed and burned during a police pursuit.

Graham is a gang member and ex-convict with a record for robbery, said Los Angeles Police Det. Rick Swanston, who heads the West Valley homicide unit. For the last several months, Graham has used the name of Kato Austin, an associate in prison for attempted murder, and Juba Pattis, another alias, Swanston said.

Graham has been seen in various locations, including Canoga Park, Van Nuys, Omaha, Chicago and Las Vegas, Swanston said. “His name surfaced early in the investigation, but it took time to put together sufficient information to connect him to the crime,” Swanston added.

Taylor was charged Aug. 20 with murder and kidnapping after an investigation into an anonymous tip left on an answering machine: “Kirell on Vaughn Street.”

Police used DNA to link Taylor to physical evidence found in the Bentley. They also found jewelry and other items stolen from Rawlings during searches of Taylor’s home and other sites, including the home of Taylor’s girlfriend, Swanston said.

Investigators said they suspect that Taylor, who has a criminal career that started at age 13, and several of his associates were involved in a car-theft ring.

Rawlings, 30, was attacked by at least two men wearing ski masks after he pulled into his garage in the 20700 block of Quedo Drive in Woodland Hills. Rawlings’ wife called police, who arrived just as the attackers sped away in the Bentley.

The car crashed into a pole in the 5800 block of Tampa Avenue, knocking out power, then burst into flames. Rawlings was ejected from the trunk and died from the injuries the next day at a hospital.

The robbers fled in the dark from the wrecked car. One then carjacked a woman at Wilbur Avenue and Erwin Street.