Los Angeles was rocked by a tragic incident on Monday night, as 33-year-old Hollywood consultant and social justice activist Michael Latt was shot and killed in his own home. The alleged perpetrator, 36-year-old Jameelah Elena Michl, was arrested at the scene and is now facing charges of murder, burglary, and unlawful use of a firearm.
According to authorities, Michl had been stalking another woman and specifically targeted Latt because he was a friend of the woman. She allegedly forced her way into Latt’s $800,000 apartment in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood and shot him in the head with a semiautomatic handgun.
Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Latt succumbed to his injuries and died. His death has sent shockwaves through the community, as Latt was known for his tireless work promoting social justice causes and supporting influential women and artists of color through his marketing firm, Lead With Love.
Latt’s mother, Michelle Satter, who is a founding director at the Sundance Institute, wrote on X that her son “fell victim to a tragic act of violence.” Latt’s website shows him pictured alongside public figures such as rapper and actor Common, Georgia progressive Stacey Abrams, and U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Latt was also a vocal advocate and ally for marginalized communities. He attended Black Lives Matter protests alongside Common and used his platform to bring attention to issues of police violence and systemic racism.
“Not enough change has happened since the 2020 Uprising,” Latt wrote in a post on Instagram in June 2022. “We’ll continue to fight and stand up against police violence and White supremacy until true justice is real in this country.”
Latt’s fiancée, Hannah Lovingood, posted on her own Instagram about the devastating loss. “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.”
Neighbors of Latt described him as a kind, friendly, and passionate member of the community who will be deeply missed. “I can’t wrap my brain around what could’ve happened that caused him to be shot and killed,” neighbor Avarie Shevin told local news station KTLA. “I keep picturing his face, and I cannot believe he has passed.”
As the investigation into Latt’s death and Michl’s motive continues, the community is coming together to mourn his loss and honor his memory. Michl is being held on $3 million bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on December 15. If convicted, she could face life in prison.
The senseless violence that took Latt’s life serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing need to address and dismantle systems of oppression and hatred. Latt’s death is a devastating loss for his loved ones, his community, and the larger fight for justice and equality.
