The LAPD has charged a homeless woman, Jameelah Elena Michl, with the suspected murder of Hollywood exec Michael Latt in his home in the Mid-Wilshire area of Los Angeles.
The 33-year-old Latt was allegedly killed on Monday evening by 36-year-old Michl after she had broken into his home. Michl reportedly remained at the scene and was arrested by officers a short time later.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney confirmed on Wednesday that Michl had been charged with murder. The suspect is believed to have been living in their car in the Los Angeles area. The motive for the murder is currently unknown.
Michael Latt was a well-known philanthropist and member of the Hollywood circuit.
Latt was a film marketing consultant who worked on many productions, including The Birth of a Nation, If Beale Street Could Talk, I Am Not Your Negro, and Crazy Rich Asians.
However, Latt was perhaps best known for his charity and social justice work. According to Variety, he was the founder and CEO of Lead With Love, which is described as a social impact marketing agency.
Michael Latt: Killed philanthropist worked with celebrities on charitable events
Latt reportedly used his Hollywood contacts to get big names in showbiz involved in charitable activities. He also worked with studios like Warner Bros. and Netflix to create philanthropic events.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelThe victim’s brother is Franklin Latt, head of talent at the Creative Artists Agency, and his stepmother is Michelle Satter, a director for the Sundance Film Festival.
The family posted a loving tribute to Latt on social media on Wednesday. It read in part, “Our beloved son, brother, grandson, fiancé Michael Latt, fell victim to a tragic act of violence… Michael’s extraordinary friends and colleagues are shattered by the profound grief.”
The post continued by hailing Latt’s charitable activities and finished with a statement to carry on his work, “we can all carry on his legacy of love, compassion and fierce dedication to positive and lasting change.”
Latt’s neighbor, Avarie Shevin, told the press that the victim was a “super sweet guy” who lived a quiet life with his girlfriend and their dog and cat.
Shevin said, “He’s just very mellow. I can’t wrap my brain around what could’ve happened that caused him to be shot and killed. I keep picturing his face and I cannot believe he has passed.”
Michael Latt death: Police still working on why suspect Jameelah Elena Michl may have killed victim
The LAPD said that Latt’s fiance was home at the time and that the shooting occurred at about 6 p.m.
The investigators are still trying to figure out if Michl knew the victim. She is being held on $3 million bail.
Anyone with any information about this crime is asked to please contact the West Bureau Homicide Investigators at (213)382-9470 or the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).