Homeless woman ‘who shot dead Hollywood social justice advocate because he was friends with female director she’d been stalking’ is seen in court
- Jameelah Elena Michl, 36, has appeared in court in Los Angeles charged in the shooting of Michael Latt last month
- Latt was shot dead while at his Los Angeles home – he had been friends with director AV Rockwell, who had been stalking Michl
- Michl met Rockwell when he appeared as an extra in A Thousand and One
The homeless California woman accused of killing social justice advocate Michael Latt has appeared in court in Los Angeles.
Jameelah Elena Michl, 36, appeared before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kimberly Baker Guillemet charged with the murder of Hollywood social justice advocate Michael Latt.
Latt was shot at his LA home last month and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Michl was arrested at the scene and is charged with murder.
Prosecutors have said prosecutors have alleged she was motivated to kill him because of his friendship with a female director she had stalked.
Jameelah Elena Michl, 36, a homeless California woman accused of killing social justice advocate Michael Latt, has appeared in court in Los Angeles
Michl appeared before Judge Kimberly Baker Guillemet in the Superior Court of Los Angeles f
During Friday's hearing, she was remanded in custody on $3 million bail.
Michl, who lived in her car, was obsessed with Latt's boyfriend, female director AV Rockwell, and stalked her, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said.
She had previously threatened Rockwell, telling her she would kill herself unless Rockwell talked to her, leaving handwritten letters at her home, including one in which she threatened, “My Glock is loaded.”
Michael Latt (right) with director AV Rockwell (center) and his mother, Michelle Satter. Police say Latt's alleged killer was obsessed with Rockwell
Michl was remanded to jail on $3 million dollar bail
This was the scene at Latt's home last month when he was shot and killed
The pair knew each other because Michl once appeared as an extra in Rockwell's film A Thousand and One.
Rockwell was so disturbed by Michl that a restraining order was taken out against her. She begged police for help, telling them she could not eat or sleep for fear Michl would strike.
Michl allegedly called her repeatedly, left letters at her home and sent numerous text messages and emails.
In one letter she said: 'One pull of the trigger and I'm free.'
She also threatened to commit suicide in Griffith Park.
It remains unclear why she was not arrested and whether steps were taken to deprive her of the weapons she owned.
Michael Latt, founder of the charity Lead with Love, was shot dead by a female intruder in his Los Angeles home last month
The homeless woman reportedly remained at the scene after the shooting
Shortly after his death, LA County District Attorney George Gascon mourned the loss of Latt without taking any responsibility for the fact that his killer was known to police and allowed to roam the streets freely.
“Our hearts ache at the loss of a passionate advocate who believed in the principles of justice and equality within our criminal justice system.
“It is devastating to see a life cut short, especially one dedicated to the fight for a more just society,” Gascon said.
Latt's family has yet to weigh any public criticism of police and prosecutors.
In their tribute to him, they said: 'Our beloved son Michael Latt was the victim of a tragic act of violence.
“Michael dedicated his career to supporting artists, championing organizations that raised artists of color, and telling stories for lasting change.
“We celebrate his legacy, love and compassion.”
Latt collaborated with rapper Common and are seen together at a 2020 rally in Kentucky for Breonna Taylor, who was killed by police