A Hollywood social justice activist was killed on Monday after a homeless woman allegedly broke into his home and shot him in the head, according to reports.
Michael Latt, 33, who founded the charity organization Lead With Love to support “influential women and artists of color,” died from injuries at a local hospital after authorities reportedly discovered him in his $800,000 one-bedroom apartment in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood earlier this week.
Latt’s next-door neighbor told local media she witnesses a female standing in the walkway with her hands up when police took the woman into custody.
“It was really weird because I didn’t hear anything,” Avarie Shevin said. “Like, no gunshot. No arguing, nothing, and it’s the kind of thing where if there’s a gunshot a mile away, I will hear it. So how did I not hear it right there?”
“I can’t wrap my brain around what could’ve happened that caused him to be shot and killed,” she told the station. “I keep picturing his face, and I cannot believe he has passed.”
The Los Angeles Police Department identified the homicide suspect as 36-year-old Jameelah Elena Michl, who police said lived in her car.
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office filed charges of murder and burglary with a firearm enhancement against Michl, according to police.
Michl is currently being held on $3 million bail. Her vehicle was also booked into evidence, according to police.
Although the motive was not immediately clear, police reportedly believe the shooting was a random act of violence.
Latt comes from a family involved in the Hollywood industry. He is the son of film producer David Latt and Michelle Satter, the founding senior director at the Sundance Institute.
Satter paid tribute to her son on social media on Wednesday.
“Our beloved son, brother, grandson, fiancé Michael Latt, fell victim to a tragic act of violence Monday night,” Satter wrote. “Our family, Michael’s extraordinary friends and colleagues are shattered by the profound grief of losing our Michael.”
“He devoted his career to supporting others, championing organizations that raised up women and artists of color, along with leveraging storytelling, art and various mediums to create enduring change and instill communities with hope, love and inspiration,” she continued. “Michael will never be forgotten and we can all carry on his legacy of love, compassion and fierce dedication to positive and lasting change.”
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
Hannah Lovingood, his fiancée, reportedly expressed her grief about Latt’s death on social media.
“My entire life has changed in a blink of an eye,” she wrote. “My love has been taken from me so tragically. My best friend, confidant, fiancé. My love.”
According to the Los Angeles Times, Latt graduated from Chapman University with a public relations and advertising degree. He spent a number of years working in entertainment marketing, including work for the social justice organization Blackout for Human Rights, which prompted him to become more involved in activism.
“The moment I realized that I could use my skill set for social good, I decided to dedicate the rest of my career to helping others, empowering storytellers of color, and fighting injustice wherever it stands,” he told Forbes.