A Los Angeles man has been charged with murder in the death of an 84-year-old dementia patient who was allegedly beaten and set on fire in a late-night attack in downtown Los Angeles.
Lavonta Martel Wilder, 39, is accused in the killing of Bang Cho, an elderly man who authorities say had been living with dementia and had wandered away from a convalescent home prior to the incident. Prosecutors allege Wilder, who is described as transient, carried out a violent assault that led to Cho’s death.
Authorities allege Wilder responded by repeatedly punching and kicking Cho in the head and body. Prosecutors further claim Wilder lifted the victim over his shoulder, slammed him to the ground, and then set him on fire.
Emergency responders transported Cho to a local hospital, where he died the following day.
Wilder was later located nearby on Sixth Street, just north of Hope Street, and taken into custody by officers with the Los Angeles Police Department, the agency leading the investigation.
Prosecutors have charged Wilder with one count of murder and allege he has a prior serious felony conviction. Court records show his arraignment has been postponed to May 21 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Bail has been set at $2.05 million.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman addressed the case in a statement, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victim.
“This case involves an elderly man who was disoriented and living with dementia, conditions that made him particularly vulnerable. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family as they endure this unimaginable tragedy,” Hochman said.
“The level of violence alleged here is brutal, callous and extreme, and our prosecutors will pursue this case with the urgency it demands to ensure accountability and justice for the victim and his loved ones.”
If convicted, Wilder faces a potential sentence of life in state prison. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth Karb of the Arson and Explosives Section. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
