Murder Suspect Had Run-In With Deputies

UPPER OJAI, Calif. — Just a week before a double slaying in Upper Ojai, the alleged killer threatened, assaulted and attempted to escape from Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies who pulled him over for speeding in Malibu, authorities said Friday.

The “bizarre, threatening and violent behavior” of Miguel “Mike” Hugo Garcia, 43, of La Crescenta included attempting to flee from deputies down Pacific Coast Highway and kicking out the window of a patrol car, according to a 15-page account of the May 15 incident.

“You are gonna die! You are gonna kill yourself with that gun!” Garcia screamed at deputies, according to the deputies’ report.

Garcia, who was released after posting bond, is now in Ventura County Jail on suspicion of murder in the Thursday morning slayings of an elderly man and his daughter in their home, near property Garcia owns. His bail was set at $1 million.

Authorities have said Garcia called 911 and admitted killing Albert “Jim” Alexander, 83, and his daughter, Helen D. Giardina, 42, while her 3-year-old son was in the house.

Giardina’s husband, reached at his Mar Vista home Friday, said Garcia was considered a friend who was “very charming” and “slick.” However, something about him prompted Alexander “to keep him at arm’s length” all along, Thomas Giardina said.