O.C. prosecutors wait on charges in Irvine double homicide

The Orange County district attorney’s office said Monday that it would hold off on filing criminal charges against Christopher Dorner in connection with the double homicide in Irvine that launched the manhunt across Southern California for the former LAPD officer.

Dorner, 33, is suspected of killing Monica Quan and Keith Lawrence. The two were found shot to death Feb. 3 in a car in a parking lot of an upscale condominium complex near Concordia University, where both received degrees and played basketball.

Susan Kang Schroeder, chief of staff for Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas, said there was “no need to file charges against him at this point.”

FULL COVERAGE: Sweeping manhunt for ex-cop

She explained that Dorner is already wanted and being pursued by law enforcement across the region. Prosecutors in Riverside County filed charges against him Monday, including for murder and attempted murder. The charges include a special circumstances allegation that would make him eligible for the death penalty.

Schroeder said Orange County prosecutors have worked with Irvine police and have been involved in the investigation. If and when Dorner is caught, she said, the Orange County district attorney would then pursue criminal charges for the Irvine killing.

This story was reported by Times Staff Writer Rick Rojas.