Phillip Melendez, 49

Phillip Melendez, a 49-year-old Latino man, was fatally stabbed on Monday, Nov. 9, at the intersection of North Figueroa and Meridian streets in Highland Park, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department homicide detectives said Melendez was riding bus line 81 when three men boarded around 10:40 p.m. at the Avenue 57 and Figueroa stop.

The men walked to the rear of the bus and got into an argument with Melendez. One of the men pulled a knife and stabbed Melendez. The bus came to a stop at Figueroa and Meridian streets and the three men ran off, according to Lt. Eddie Hernandez.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived shortly after. Melendez was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:57 p.m.

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, deputies matched Allen Jay Milton, 43, to the suspect description of the crime and took him into custody.

Detectives said they are considering the other two men as witnesses to the crime. They have spoken with one, but the other has not come forward.

Milton was charged on Nov. 12 with one count of murder with a special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon, a knife. He is due to return to court on Nov. 30.

If convicted, Milton could face a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in prison.

Contact the Homicide Report. And follow @latimeshomicide on Twitter.