A homeless Los Angeles woman has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and other charges for the killing of Hollywood social justice activist Michael Latt. The accused, Jameelah Elena Michl, 36, allegedly stalked a movie director named A.V. Rockwell, who was a friend of Latt. Michl shot Latt in the head in Rockwell’s home in November.
Before the shooting, Michl had sent an ominous letter to Rockwell warning him that her Glock was loaded and that one pull of the trigger would set her free. Rockwell had previously sought a restraining order against Michl. Michl now faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison and is scheduled for sentencing on July 10.
Michael Latt was known for his work as a social justice activist and as the CEO and CFO of a marketing firm called Lead With Love. He dedicated his career to supporting influential women and artists of color and using storytelling and art to bring about lasting change in communities. Latt worked on films like “Fruitvale Station” and “Till,” and collaborated with directors like Ava DuVernay and Ryan Coogler.
Latt was an active supporter of movements like Black Lives Matter and was vocal about fighting against police violence and white supremacy. He attended protests and supported Democratic political candidates like Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. Latt’s mother, Michelle Satter, who is an executive at the Sundance Institute, expressed her grief over the tragic loss of her son.
Latt came from a well-connected Hollywood family, with his father being a movie producer and his brother working in talent management at CAA. His website shows him pictured with public figures like Common, Stacey Abrams, Ilhan Omar, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. It is a tragic story of a promising activist whose life was cut short by senseless violence. The impact of his work and his dedication to social justice will be remembered by those who knew him and by the communities he served.