David Edward Albert Suspected of Killing Bondage Club Owner, Burning Down Business

I've never been to Passive Arts because I personally abstain from the Greater SoCal region entirely, however Passive Arts has an infamous 36 year history and I certainly have known of it, and have many friends who have shared of their adventures there. The death of founder John Lavine marks a great loss for not just the BDSM Community (it wasn't really a "Sex" club per se, rather an Adult Theme Park of sorts), but to the performing arts. Passive Arts was far more than a Bondage Club, but hosted many regularly themed clubs, parties, events, plays and live music concerts for the community. One night would be a Burlesque Show and the next night would be a Sock Hop, followed by live alternative bands on the following evening.

The murder suspect, David Edward Albert, was a long time employee of Passive Arts.

Everyone whom I talked to who was familiar with Passive Arts says this came as a surprise to everyone who would frequent there as Dave and John were both very respected and trusted, and the sense of betrayal that Dave could commit such a crime is painfully felt along with the loss of John.

mr. mark, in my community this type of club,passive arts,BDSM or alike are prohibited. these type of social activities does'nt bring any good to the soceity but rather problematic such as prostitution, drug addicts to name a few. hence, the question is, is there any justification to the murder of, "killing Bondage Club owner and burning his business," but with exceptional to his dog, of course.

Regardless of the lifestyles of the victim and of the perpetrator (sp?) It's still sad. A family has lost a loved one to yet another violent act. Sad indeed.

Poor dog! To hell with the murderer or the owner. Karma goes around and bites everyone at some point. I personally dont believe places like this need to be put in the public's faces nor do i think crap like this should be "ok'd" with licensing. But before every one yells at me for being a prude. Understand that we (as a nation) have MORE then our share of creeps and freaks. and what goes on in your bedroom is your business. I don't understand the need to have this type of thing in the public's face on a regular basis. I know everything is on the internet, but at least online, we are parents can atleast block our children from viewing crap like this. But a actual building, well kids are nosey and will ask a lot of questions or worst, make it a dare to get inside to see what really is going on. And let's face it, at some point, they will get an idea what is really going on in there.

I don't fight free speach, just to put stuff like this, sex shops or XXX movie theaters to intice young boys (and some girls). All the sickos out there are only caring for their pockets and could care less about protecting our young kids.

We had 2 sex shops which attempted to open in my town a few years ago. Claimed they would keep the outside clear so no child would know what is inside. Well, one was across from a church. The other was a block from a elementary school. How wrong is that? So the city denied those, and when another company came in and attempted to open a "Gold Club", lots of items were put to the test. To be fair, they were suppose to open a "adult supper club". But some major issues developed and in the 3-4 months they were open, our town had tons of "criminals" roaming around. What i mean by that is, we ended up with more mob here then we have had in 35 yrs. The city/state closed them and the building has sat closed for 5 yrs now. it's a "white elephant"

This club (bondage)seemed to be a widely known business. And maybe in the larger cities this may be acceptable, but i wouldn't be happy with this place in my neighborhood.

Some places should stay closed. I'm sorry. I'm very soory for the dog, because as an animal, it had no option of being there and lost it's life for no reason.

@A'Grandma, agreed.

the outpouring of ignorance, hate and shortsightedness in response to this tragedy is mortifying. it saddens me deeply to hear people speak out against people they have never met, places they have never been, and a loss they can not comprehend. my heart goes out to those who are affected by this tragedy. our community is built on trust, acceptance, wonder and love. John will be deeply missed. we are still whole.

@grandma and others - This club was in a totally industrial area, not anywhere near ANY neighborhoods, where there were houses or schools. There was ZERO outside signage, decoration, or anything "in the public's face". It was run responsibly, in the right area for it, and you judging this man you've never met, is entirely unfounded. Have some respect and reverence for the deceased and his family, as well as the poor loyal dog, who died along side him. This is a horrible tragedy, and to think otherwise, simply because of some mis-informed preconceptions you have, is heartless, ignorant and cruel.

RIP John and Kota

How'd any one like to be opening for the day, say a flower shop, or a catering business, or a gallery showing, and suddenly your right hand person just shoots MANY bullets into your skull for no reason, and sets the place on fire!? THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED!

So, go stick that in your pipe and schmoke it, you sickos!

I grew up around this type of business so maybe I'm a little jaded to it and I really don't care as long as it was properly licensed. Honestly this stuff has been around for eons.
But what I see here is a sack of shit that was pissed off for being fired and decides to murder the person that fired him and his poor dog got caught in it also. Just another selfish fuckhead...

CW,

Idle hands are the devil's playground.

Once your "fired" your hands are idled. You have plenty of time to think and once you start seeing the bills arrive at your mailbox and you have no way of paying them, things become dicey.

Since Dave lost his job in the "Great Recession" (which we aren't coming out of for the next two decades), maybe "John" sealed his own fate. Sounds harsh (I know) but read further...

Would Dave had killed John if John never fired him?

Owners and managers are at risk "more than ever" when they fire one of their employees in this "Great Recession" (even if the "firing" is well deserved).
You need to think long and hard before letting a person go (AKA: firing them).

You "never" know who your dealing with.

Once a person is "fired" most clearly thinking human beings would pursue another job. Whatever it takes to pay those bills that are coming into your mailbox.
Murder is not the best way to go unless you have decided to go the way of the career criminal and let the state take care of you.
I get your point, but I refuse to blame this on the victim. By your logic (and I use the term loosely) all children that are raped by their uncle or brother sealed their own fate by going to the park with them that day. A person raped or robbed sealed their own fate by going to the car that night after work due to staying late trying to earn a living to pay their bills.

Dave had another job and a steady income to pay his bills.