CLAREMONT – A report of a drowning on June 13th at around 8PM sent Claremont Police
Officers to assist the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Officers arriving on the 900 block of Appalachian encountered a 39-year-old male who was not breathing and had no pulse.
Quick treatment and transport to Pomona Valley Medical Center resulted in the anonymous
victim being pronounced deceased. The ID of the victim is pending, per notification of next of
kin.
“Police determined that the victim and suspect were in the pool together,” said Council Member Ed
Reece. “While in the pool, the suspect held the victim under the water, which is believed to have
contributed to his subsequent drowning and death. This conclusion was based on follow-up investigation and after viewing video surveillance footage of the incident.”
Masoud Bitarafan (34), from Pasadena, was arrested for Murder, and booked at the Claremont PD Jail.
The suspect is being held in lieu of $5,000,000.00 bail.
Bitarafan is scheduled for arraignment at Pomona Superior Court. The Homicide Investigation is ongoing – no further information is being released at this time.
