Homeless Man Charged with Stabbing Elderly Woman in Los Angeles
A homeless man has been accused of randomly stabbing a 70-year-old woman, Rifat Sultana Kazmi, in the neck while she was walking down a street in downtown Los Angeles. This man, Kenneth Gibson, 39, is currently on parole for having previously murdered another individual.
On Tuesday morning, Gibson pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the attack on Kazmi as “senseless” and labeled it a “heinous crime,” noting that Kazmi is now in critical condition in the hospital.
“This was a random and vicious attack on an innocent woman who had done nothing wrong,” Hochman stated.
Officials revealed that Gibson had been identified in connection to a May 23 incident where he allegedly killed a homeless man at an encampment near Eighth Street, a location that serves as an on-ramp to Interstate 110. There is also an outstanding parole warrant for him.
The victim from that incident has been identified as Byron Fuentes, 48, who reportedly died from blunt force trauma, according to medical records. His family described him as a caring person whose struggles with drug addiction led to homelessness. “Byron was a caring man,” they said, “His heart was pure and full of love.”
Gibson’s criminal record includes nine felony convictions since 2014, encompassing various charges like assault, burglary, and weapons offenses.
Now, he faces a count of attempted murder for allegedly stabbing Kazmi near Grand Hope Park, which is less than a half-mile from where Fuentes’ body was found. In a recent court appearance, Gibson pleaded not guilty, and the judge approved a bail request set at $2.75 million.
In total, Gibson is charged with five counts, including using a deadly weapon during the crime. Another hearing is set for April 16.
According to police, Gibson carried out the attack on Kazmi around 10:15 a.m. while she was walking calmly. Witnesses say he suddenly turned and attacked her without any warning.
Kazmi was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent surgery. Fortunately, a physician’s assistant who happened to be nearby provided immediate assistance by applying pressure to her wound, which helped to stop the bleeding and save her life, as noted by Lt. James Mankey of the LAPD.
Hochman expressed that such acts of violence create fear within the community. “This type of violence not only hurts the victims; it shakes up our entire community,” he remarked. “Everyone should be able to walk the streets of Los Angeles safely.”
Gibson appeared in court wearing a yellow prison uniform and remains in custody as he awaits trial.
