Homeless man charged with murder for allegedly lighting elderly dementia patient on fire
A man without stable housing has been charged with murder following a violent attack that left an elderly Los Angeles resident dead, authorities said.
Prosecutors allege that 84-year-old Bang Cho, who suffered from dementia, had wandered away from the care facility where he lived on April 19. While walking in downtown Los Angeles, he reportedly crossed paths with Lavonta Martel Wilder along Sixth Street between Hope Street and Grand Avenue.
According to the district attorney’s office, Cho took hold of one of Wilder’s bags, which led to a brutal confrontation. Investigators say Wilder responded by repeatedly striking and kicking the elderly man in the head and torso, then lifting him and throwing him to the ground. He is also accused of setting Cho on fire after the assault. Officials emphasized that Cho’s medical condition made him especially defenseless.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the alleged actions as exceptionally violent and said prosecutors intend to move forward aggressively to seek justice for the victim and his family.
Footage obtained at the scene shows emergency responders treating the victim, with burned clothing visible nearby, while officers secured the area with police tape. Several officers remained on site as paramedics transported Cho to a hospital. He died the following day.
A witness reported seeing the attack while riding a bus, stating that he observed a man stomping on the victim before igniting the fire. The witness said he exited the bus, helped extinguish the flames, and attempted CPR.
Authorities later located Wilder on Sixth Street and arrested him. He has been charged with one count of murder, along with an enhancement tied to a prior serious felony conviction. His bail has been set at over $2 million, and he could face a life sentence if found guilty.
Wilder is expected to be arraigned on May 21. Police said the investigation is still ongoing.
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