A 33-year-old social justice advocate and marketing consultant in Los Angeles, California, was shot and killed in his home on Monday, November 27, 2023.
Jameelah Elena Michl, a 36-year-old homeless woman, has been arrested and charged with the murder of Michael Latt.
Michl, who reportedly lived nearby in her vehicle, is accused of knocking on the door of Latt’s home, pushing her way inside, and shooting him in the head. She was arrested at the scene and is being held on a $3 million bail.
The incident occurred in the Miracle Mile area of Los Angeles. Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call in the 900 block of Alandele Avenue around 6 p.m. on the day of the shooting. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics transported Latt to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Los Angeles D.A.’s office said Michl had been stalking a female film producer who was friends with Latt and this may have been a motive behind the shooting. Michl had been an extra on one of the producer’s films and when filming was over, she stalked her and sent her disturbing notes. A restraining order was taken out against Michl.
Michl’s vehicle, which served as her primary residence, was seized as evidence in the case.
Latt, known for his involvement in social justice and get-out-the-vote campaigns, was the founder and CEO of Lead With Love, an entertainment marketing firm dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in Hollywood.
His career included work at the Sundance Institute and Blackout for Human Rights involvement. He was respected in his field for his dedication to supporting artists and creatives of color and was active in campaigns honoring Black women.
Before founding Lead With Love, Latt had a notable presence in Hollywood’s social justice circles. He was involved in various social justice initiatives and was photographed with rapper Common at a rally in Kentucky for Breonna Taylor in 2020.
Latt’s family, through a post on his Instagram page, highlighted his commitment to social justice, particularly his work in supporting women and artists of color and using storytelling and art to create positive social change.
The Los Angeles Police Department has encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to contact West Bureau Homicide investigators or to provide anonymous tips.