3 Teenagers Charged in Slaying at Party

VAN NUYS — Three teenagers, who police allege stabbed to death a 20-year-old man at a Woodland Hills party because he failed to share a balloon of helium, were formally charged with murder in Municipal Court Tuesday.

Michael Baker, 19; Christopher Bryan Paonessa, 18; and Dino Ferrari Riggio, 18, all of Chatsworth, face murder charges in the death of Jason Allan Shaw, who was killed shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday at his home in the 23800 block of Sylvan Street, said homicide Det. Rick Swanston of the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Valley Division.

A second stabbing victim, who was rushed to the hospital with wounds to his upper body, survived.

Six adults and three juveniles--eight of whom were from Simi Valley--were arrested Sunday in connection with the incident, Swanston said. But they were released pending further investigation.

Police said Shaw, who was co-hosting the party with two other men, was killed in a fight that broke out after he evicted Baker from the celebration about 10 p.m. with help from several others. Witnesses said Baker had asked Shaw for a helium-filled balloon, from which other guests were inhaling gas.

Baker returned with more than a dozen men and youths armed with bats, sticks and knives, who forced their way into the house, according to police.

In the ensuing brawl, say prosecutors, Baker, Paonessa and Riggio stabbed Shaw and the other victim.

Baker and Paonessa will be arraigned Monday. An arraignment date for Riggio will be scheduled today.