A homeless man who allegedly beat and set an 84-year-old man on fire in downtown Los Angeles is scheduled to be arraigned next month on a murder charge.
Lavonta Martel Wilder, 40, faces up to life in prison if convicted as charged in connection with the killing of Bang Cho, who was attacked around 11:55 p.m. Sunday, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
“This case involves an elderly man who was disoriented and living with dementia, conditions that made him particularly vulnerable,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement announcing the murder charge, which was filed Wednesday. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family as they endure this unimaginable tragedy.
“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.”
Wilder was charged with one count of murder and faces a special allegation of having a prior serious felony conviction. Wilder, who is jailed in lieu of $2.05 million bail, is scheduled to be arraigned May 21 in downtown Los Angeles.
Prosecutors say Cho was sitting on Sixth Street between Hope Street and Grand Avenue “when he stood up and briefly approached a passerby then walked behind Wilder and grabbed one of the bags Wilder was carrying.”
“Wilder is accused of then viciously punching and kicking Cho in the head and body, lifting him over his shoulder and slamming him to the ground before setting him on fire,” according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Cho died the following day at a hospital. Wilder was located in the area and taken into custody.