The burglary suspect who broke into the home of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in a “targeted” attack last month yelled her name over and over as he moved from bedroom to bedroom, before finally attacking her German Shepherd. He said it scared him. Monday’s report.
Ephraim Matthew Hunter, 29, was arrested on April 21 on suspicion of breaking the back glass door of the mayor’s official residence and wandering inside the house while Bass and his family were sleeping.
Hunter, who was previously convicted of brutal assault in Massachusetts, allegedly yelled “Karen” several times after breaking in, law enforcement officials said. Los Angeles Times.
The rescue of Bass’ German shepherd, Stacks, delayed Hunter’s alleged attempt to break into his second-floor bedroom, officials added.
However, Stacks never attacked or bit the robbery suspect.
New details have emerged as police continue to investigate how the security breach at the mayor’s residence occurred in the first place.
According to officials, Hunter was said to have succeeded in breaking into the building just after 6:30 a.m. during a security break due to a shift change.
It wasn’t immediately clear how long the gap was, but police officials said it’s a routine part of the mayor’s security plan.
He was apprehended by Los Angeles Police Department officers within minutes of the 911 call, police said.
Investigators have not said why they believe Hunter targeted Bass or whether he had any plans to harm her.
L.A. District Attorney George Gascón said last month that Hunter’s actions showed he knew Bass was inside the home, but did not elaborate.
“We believe he was targeting the mayor,” Gascón said.
Officials said responding officers believe Hunter was high on methamphetamine at the time.
Hunter’s mother, Josephine Dua, previously said her son struggled with addiction and was hallucinating at the time.
The suspect allegedly told her that he was running away because someone was “trying to shoot him.”
Mr. Hunter was charged with felony counts of first-degree residential burglary and vandalism with damage or damage to property over $400 over the mayor’s history.
If convicted, Hunter could face up to 13 years and four months in prison.
