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LA father charged with murdering son because he was gay

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles county prosecutors have charged a man who shot and killed his son with premeditated murder, alleging that he committed the crime because his son was gay.

The District Attorney’s office said Friday that 69-year-old Shehada Issa had threatened to kill his 29-year-old son, Amir, several times because of his sexual orientation.

Issa was arrested Tuesday after Los Angeles police officers found the young man’s body outside a North Hills house. Issa’s wife was found stabbed to death inside the house.

Detectives said Issa told officers he found his wife’s body in a bathroom. He said he shot his son in self-defense because the young man was threatening him with a knife.

Detectives said no knife was found at the scene.

An investigation into who killed Issa’s wife continues.

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