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1 year ago
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The California homeless woman charged with murdering social justice advocate Michael Latt has appeared in court in Los Angeles.
Jameelah Elena Michl, 36, appeared before Judge Kimberly Baker Guillemet at the Los Angeles Superior Court charged with the murder of Hollywood social justice advocate Michael Latt.
Latt was shot last month at his LA home and was later pronounced dead in the hospital.
Michl was arrested at the scene and has been charged with his murder.
Prosecutors have alleged prosecutors have alleged she had been motivated to kill him because of his friendship with a female director she'd been stalking.
Jameelah Elena Michl, 36, a California homeless woman charged with murdering social justice advocate Michael Latt has appeared in court in Los Angeles
Michl appeared before Judge Kimberly Baker Guillemet in Los Angeles Superior Court f
During Friday's hearing, she was remanded in custody on $3 million bail.
Michl, who had been living out of her car, was obsessed with Latt's friend, female director A.V. Rockwell, and had been stalking her, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
She had previously threatened Rockwell, telling her she would kill herself unless Rockwell engaged with her and leaving handwritten letters at her home including one in which she threatened: 'My glock is loaded.'
Michael Latt (right) with director A.V. Rockwell (center) and his mother, Michelle Satter. Latt's alleged killer was obsessed with Rockwell, according to police
Michl was remanded back to jail with a $3 million dollar bail
This was the scene at Latt's home last month when he was shot dead
The pair knew each other because Michl once appeared as an extra in Rockwell's movie A Thousand and One.
Rockwell was so disturbed by Michl that she had a restraining order taken out against her. She begged police to help, telling them she couldn't eat or sleep for fear that Michl would strike.
Michl is said to have called her repeatedly, left letters at her home and sent numerous texts and emails.
In one letter, she said: 'One pull of the trigger and I’ll be free.'
She also threatened to kill herself at Griffith Park.
It remains unclear why she was not arrested, or whether any steps were taken to strip her of any weapons she owned.
Michael Latt, who founded the Lead with Love charity, was fatally shot by a female intruder at his Los Angeles home last month
The homeless woman reportedly stayed at the scene following the shooting
Soon after his death, LA County DA George Gascon mourned Latt's loss without taking any responsibility for the fact his killer was known to police and free to roam the streets.
'Our hearts ache for the loss of a passionate advocate who believed in the principles of justice and equity within our criminal legal system.
'It is devastating to see a life cut short, especially one dedicated to fighting for a more just society,' Gascon said.
Latt's family have yet to weigh any kind of public criticism against police and prosecutors.
In their tribute to him, they said: 'Our beloved son Michael Latt fell victim to a tragic act of violence.
'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.'
Latt worked with the rapper Common and are seen together at a 2020 Kentucky rally for Breonna Taylor, who was killed by police
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