Tustin police have made an arrest in the killing of a boxing and mixed martial arts trainer who was shot to death in his gym in front of other fighters, police said Friday.

Authorities said that Kirk Vernell Price, 53, walked into Fahness Lutalo’s OC Boxing and MMA Academy on Thursday just after noon, repeatedly shot Lutalo, 44, then left. He didn’t hurt anyone else inside the gym or steal anything, said police, who have yet to determine Price’s motive.

Kirk Vernell Price (Tustin Police Department)

After the shooting, Price fled in a black 2013 Chevrolet Spark with tinted windows and license plate number 7BMS565. An Orange County Sheriff’s deputy spotted him about 1 a.m. Friday near the county jail and took him into custody.


But Price’s car and a murder weapon have yet to be found, police said. He’s being held on $1-million bail and is due in court Monday.

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Anyone with information about the crime or the vehicle’s whereabouts are asked to call police at (714) 573-3250.

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna.


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