Los Angeles, CA – In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, 33-year-old Michael Latt, CEO of social justice arts organization Lead With Love, was shot and killed in his Wilshire area home on November 27, 2023. The alleged assailant, Jameelah Elena Michl, a 36-year-old houseless African American woman, has been arrested and charged with murder and burglary, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Michael Latt, a white, Jewish social justice advocate and a Chapman University graduate, was known for his dedication to charitable initiatives and support for movements like Black Lives Matter and prison reform. The motive behind the break-in and shooting is currently under investigation, but authorities have revealed that Michl seemingly targeted Latt due to his association with a woman she had been stalking.
Michl allegedly forced her way into Latt’s residence armed with a semi-automatic handgun, fatally shooting him in the process. The incident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. while Latt was home with his fiancée. The prosecution, led by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, announced on Thursday that Michl is facing charges of murder and first-degree residential burglary.
Gascón stated, “It is further alleged that Michl personally used a handgun during the commission of the crime. It also is alleged that another person, other than the accomplice, was present in the residence during the commission of the burglary.”
Reports indicate that Michl had previously worked as an extra in a movie directed by A.V. Rockwell, a friend of Latt’s, and had become obsessed with the filmmaker. Rockwell reportedly obtained a restraining order against Michl after she made threatening statements and claimed to possess a firearm.
Latt’s mother, Michelle Satter, the founding director of the Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program, shared her grief on social media earlier this week. The prosecution is recommending a $3,000,000 bail for Michl, and if convicted as charged, she could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Michl’s arraignment is scheduled for December 15, 2023, at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
Our beloved son Michael Latt fell victim to a tragic act of violence this week. Michael devoted his career to supporting artists, championing organizations that raised up artists of color, & leveraged storytelling for enduring change. We celebrate his legacy, love & compassion. pic.twitter.com/AlhuNNBWXZ
— Michelle Satter (@SundanceSatter) November 29, 2023
The shocking and senseless act has left the community mourning the loss of a passionate advocate for social justice and a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Michael Latt’s untimely death.
Unknown Unbiased Author
December 3, 2023 at 6:22 am
The irony of it all… as a supporter of BLM, Michael’s final lesson… in the face of reality, NO LIVES MATTER