A man has been charged with murder in the brutal killing of an 84-year-old dementia patient in downtown Los Angeles. Lavonta Martel Wilder, 40, was charged on Thursday after Bang Cho, an elderly man with dementia, was beaten and set on fire early Monday morning. The attack occurred near Sixth Street between Hope Street and Grand Avenue, where Cho was sitting before the alleged assault. According to prosecutors, Wilder, who is homeless, punched and kicked Cho, lifted him over his shoulder, slammed him to the ground, and then set him on fire. Cho died the following day in the hospital. Wilder was arrested near the scene and is being held on $2.05 million bail. His arraignment is scheduled for May 21. If convicted, he faces life in prison.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the case as involving an elderly man who was disoriented and vulnerable due to dementia. "The level of violence alleged here is brutal, callous, and extreme," Hochman said. The investigation remains ongoing.
Cho had wandered from a convalescent home before the attack. Wilder, who weighs 240 pounds, was identified as the suspect after the incident. The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of elderly individuals with dementia and the challenges of homelessness in urban areas.