Man Faces Charges for Fatal Fire Attack on Elderly Dementia Patient in DTLA
Man Charged with Murder in Brutal Attack on Elderly Dementia Patient
LOS ANGELES – Lavonta Martel Wilder, 38, faces murder charges following a brutal attack on 84-year-old Bang Cho in downtown Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office, Cho, who was disoriented and suffering from dementia, wandered away from his convalescent home on April 19.
Prosecutors allege that Wilder violently assaulted Cho after the elderly victim unintentionally grabbed a bag belonging to him. Reports indicate that Wilder punched and kicked Cho repeatedly, ultimately lifting him off the ground, slamming him to the pavement, and setting him on fire.
Cho was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following day. Wilder was apprehended nearby and remains in custody with bail set at $2,050,000. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in state prison.
"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," stated Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. He characterized the alleged violence as "brutal, callous and extreme," assuring the community that prosecutors will pursue the case vigorously to ensure accountability.
Wilder is scheduled for arraignment on May 21, and the case is currently managed by the Arson and Explosives Section of the District Attorney’s Office. The Los Angeles Police Department is continuing its investigation into the incident.
