Introduction to the Case
A 27-year-old man arrested in the killing of a Valley Village resident entered the victim’s apartment through the skylight of a vacant unit at the San Fernando Valley residential complex, police said Friday.
Erick Escamilla was arrested Thursday at a hospital in connection with the killing of 53-year-old Menashe Hidra, who was also known as Manny. Details about why Escamilla was hospitalized were not immediately available.
The Killing and Initial Response
The killing happened around 3 a.m. April 23, but Hidra’s body was not found until 2:30 p.m. April 26 when police made a welfare check at the apartment in the 12600 block of Riverside Drive. LAPD officers who originally responded to reports of a fight inside Hidra’s fifth-floor apartment on April 23 did not discover the body because they received no response to a knock on the door and they did not enter the apartment.
Internal Administrative Investigation
"I want to acknowledge that there are questions surrounding the initial police response to the incident," LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said during a Friday news conference. "The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of these circumstances and we’ve initiated an internal administrative investigation to examine all facets of that. We’re unable to comment or provide details at this time since the investigation is ongoing."
Method of Entry and Confrontation
Escamilla somehow accessed the roof of the apartment building and used a skylight to enter the apartment next door to Hidra’s unit. Escamilla then climbed from the balcony of the vacant unit to the one attached to Hidra’s apartment and went inside, leading to a confrontation. The man broke into the apartment and killed a resident inside following a violent struggle, police said.
Charges and Current Status
Escamilla was charged Thursday with murder and residential burglary. The murder charge includes a special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission of a burglary, along with allegations that he personally used a screwdriver in attacking the victim and that he has a prior strike for a residential burglary. It was unclear how long Escamilla has been hospitalized. Escamilla remained hospitalized as of Friday, according to LAPD homicide Lt. Guy Golan.
Investigation and Call for Information
"I cannot comment specifically on his condition, however, he is currently receiving medical treatment," Golan said. "We are currently in the process of absentee booking Escamilla. When deemed appropriate by medical personnel, he will be discharged from the hospital and later presented for arraignment." Anyone with information regarding the killing was urged to call Valley Bureau homicide detectives at 818-374-9550. Calls during non-business hours should be made to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
Conclusion
The case of the Valley Village killing suspect highlights the importance of thorough investigation and response by law enforcement. The internal administrative investigation into the initial police response will hopefully provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the delay in discovering the victim’s body. As the case proceeds, it is crucial for the community to come forward with any information that might aid in the investigation.
FAQs
- Q: How did the suspect enter the victim’s apartment?
A: The suspect entered the apartment through the skylight of a vacant unit and then climbed to the balcony of the victim’s apartment. - Q: What charges has the suspect been arrested for?
A: The suspect, Erick Escamilla, has been charged with murder and residential burglary, including special circumstance allegations. - Q: How can one provide information regarding the killing?
A: Individuals can call Valley Bureau homicide detectives at 818-374-9550 or, during non-business hours, 877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or via lacrimestoppers.org.
