VALLEY VILLAGE, Calif. — Authorities have arrested a man suspected of fatally attacking a resident during a break-in at an apartment complex in Valley Village. The apprehension of 27-year-old Erick Escamilla follows a welfare check that revealed the body of 53-year-old Menashe Hidra on April 26.
Law enforcement officials, including detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI, located Escamilla at a hospital where he was receiving medical treatment. According to police, Escamilla allegedly forced his way into Hidra’s home after accessing an adjacent vacant apartment and maneuvering across balconies to reach the fifth floor.
During their investigation, officers reviewed video footage from a Ring doorbell that appeared to show Escamilla attempting to break into multiple apartments using a screwdriver. Descriptions from residents suggest that the area had been a point of concern for some time, as they had previously reported incidents involving transients accessing the complex.
Residents expressed frustration over the lack of security and voiced their fears about escalating crime in the neighborhood even before the tragic event occurred. One resident noted that complaints about unauthorized individuals entering the building had been made to management, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety measures.
While the specifics of what led to Hidra’s death remain unclear, police indicated that a physical confrontation transpired during the break-in. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives continuing to piece together the events surrounding this incident.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this violent act, police are encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Authorities have not disclosed additional details regarding the charges Escamilla may face or any potential court appearances.
In a neighborhood where safety is paramount, this tragic incident has left residents shaken and seeking answers. The LAPD has reassured the public that they are committed to ensuring justice in this case, affirming that every effort will be made to prevent such violence from occurring in the future.