Introduction to the Case
An ex-con pleaded not guilty Monday to charges that he murdered an 81-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man during burglaries at their homes in the San Fernando Valley nearly three years apart.
By TERRI VERMEULEN KEITH | City News Service
Erick Escamilla, 27, is charged with two counts each of murder and first-degree residential burglary stemming from the Aug. 2, 2022, killing of Ok Ja Kim at her Woodland Hills home and the slaying April 23, 2025, of Menashe Hidra at his Valley Village home.
Charges and Allegations
The murder charges include the special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and murder during the commission of a burglary, along with allegations that he used a “sharp object” in Kim’s killing and a screwdriver in Hidra’s killing and that he has a prior conviction from 2019 for burglary.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is expected to decide later whether to seek the death penalty against Escamilla.
Escamilla is also facing one count of arson of an inhabited structure or property involving Kim’s residence, along with one count each of attempted murder and first-degree residential burglary involving an alleged attack on a man three weeks after Kim’s killing.
Arrest and Investigation
He was arrested May 8 by the Los Angeles Police Department in connection with Hidra’s killing, with the other charges subsequently being added against him.
Hidra was killed around 3 a.m. April 23, but his body was not found until 2:30 p.m. April 26, when police made a welfare check at the apartment on the 12600 block of Riverside Drive, between Whitsett and Coldwater Canyon avenues. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
LAPD officers who originally responded to reports of a fight inside Hidra’s fifth-floor apartment did not discover the body because they got no response to a knock on the door and they did not enter the apartment.
Police Response and Controversy
It marked one of three recent cases in which the LAPD has faced questions about police responding to calls and then eventually returning to find the victims dead.
“I want to acknowledge that there are questions surrounding the initial police response to the incident,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said during a news conference soon afterward. “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.”
Details of the Crimes
LAPD homicide Lt. Guy Golan said Escamilla allegedly accessed the roof of the apartment building and used a skylight to enter the apartment next door to Hidra’s unit. Escamilla allegedly then climbed from the balcony of the vacant unit to the one attached to Hidra’s apartment and went inside, leading to a “violent confrontation” with the victim.
The police chief credited the work of homicide investigators and cooperation with the FBI Fugitive Task Force for locating Escamilla, who was found at a hospital, where he was being treated for an unspecified medical issue.
“Over the past several weeks, investigators, forensic experts and technical personnel have worked tirelessly to gather evidence and pursue every lead,” McDonnell said. “This includes interviewing witnesses, securing warrants, using advanced technologies and ensuring that no stone was left unturned in the pursuit of justice.”
Prior Crimes and Rewards
Just over a month after his arrest, prosecutors subsequently added charges involving Kim’s slaying and the Aug. 23, 2022, attack with a “sharp object” on the surviving victim.
Authorities had offered a $50,000 reward in October 2022 for help in finding Kim’s killer.
She was discovered in a bedroom at her residence on the 20800 block of Martha Street at about 8 p.m. Aug. 2 by family members who were concerned after she failed to show up at a family function that evening, according to the LAPD.
“When officers and Los Angeles Fire Department personnel arrived, they discovered the deceased victim burned in her bedroom, which showed extensive signs of arson,” police said.
“The subsequent investigation revealed the victim was brutally murdered, having suffered sharp and blunt force injuries, and (was) strangled during a home invasion robbery sometime between the evening prior on August 1 … to the horrific discovery the next day,” police said.
Kim died of “sharp and blunt force injuries with ligature strangulation,” according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office.
Court Proceedings
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Theresa R. McGonigle ordered the defendant to remain jailed without bail pending his next court appearance Sept. 5 at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse.
Conclusion
The case of Erick Escamilla is a disturbing example of the brutal crimes that can occur in our communities. The fact that he is charged with two counts of murder and other serious offenses is a testament to the severity of his alleged actions. As the case continues to unfold, it is essential that justice is served, and the victims and their families receive the closure they deserve.
FAQs
Q: Who is Erick Escamilla?
A: Erick Escamilla is a 27-year-old ex-con who has been charged with two counts of murder and other serious offenses in connection with the killings of Ok Ja Kim and Menashe Hidra.
Q: What were the circumstances of the killings?
A: Ok Ja Kim was found dead in her bedroom with signs of arson, and Menashe Hidra was found dead in his apartment after a welfare check.
Q: How did the police respond to the incidents?
A: The LAPD has faced questions about their response to the incidents, including why they did not discover Hidra’s body during their initial response to reports of a fight.
Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: Escamilla has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held without bail pending his next court appearance.
