by Los Angeles, California — A 79-year-old landlord and military veteran allegedly shot and killed a naked intruder who violently attacked him inside an apartment complex on the 4500 block of Tujunga Avenue in Los Angeles, early on the morning of November 7.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the landlord intervened after hearing two women screaming in the complex. When he went to investigate, the intruder reportedly “body-slammed” the landlord, breaking both of his legs in the struggle.
Landlord Attacked, Then Opens Fire
Capt. Warner Castillo of the LAPD told reporters that the suspect lifted the landlord and slammed him onto a concrete driveway, causing severe injuries.
“The witnesses said the suspect basically lifted up the 79-year-old and body-slammed him to the ground on the driveway, which is concrete,” Castillo said.
In response, the injured landlord allegedly drew a firearm and shot the intruder multiple times, striking him in the head and chest. The intruder was pronounced dead at the scene.
Security Footage and Witness Accounts
Surveillance footage from a nearby apartment complex reportedly showed the naked man walking across the street, appearing disoriented and talking to himself before approaching the property.
A witness told Cleveland 19, “He was walking up and down the sidewalk. Then he saw the gate was open and ran over there into their gate.”
Authorities said there appears to be no prior connection between the intruder and the apartment residents. The LAPD is still working to identify the man and determine what led to his erratic behavior.
Community Describes Landlord as Kind and Gentle
Neighbors were shocked by the incident, describing the elderly landlord as “a very nice man.”
“He is very sweet, very kind, gentle. To hear he shot somebody would be out of self-defense,” one resident told Cleveland 19.
Another tenant, Robert Mendoza, said that the neighborhood has experienced ongoing safety concerns, often involving unhoused individuals or people in crisis.
“It’s sad because it keeps happening here,” Mendoza said, adding that residents have grown increasingly concerned about security and safety in the area.
Landlord Hospitalized in Serious Condition
Authorities confirmed that the 79-year-old landlord was hospitalized in serious condition following the attack. Capt. Castillo stated that the man sustained two broken legs and other injuries from the assault.
As of now, no charges have been filed, and the LAPD’s investigation is ongoing. Detectives are reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses to determine whether the shooting will be ruled self-defense under California law.
Broader Concerns Over Safety
The incident has reignited local discussions about mental health crises, homelessness, and resident safety in parts of Los Angeles. Residents say that while they sympathize with people in distress, the situation underscores the need for stronger community safety measures and better mental health intervention programs.
What’s your opinion on this case? Do you believe the landlord acted in self-defense, or should such shootings be handled differently?
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