Man Pleads Not Guilty in Fiery Killing of 84-Year-Old in Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA – May 21 — A homeless man accused of attacking and setting an 84-year-old man on fire in downtown Los Angeles pleaded not guilty Thursday to a murder charge, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors identified the defendant as 40-year-old Lavonta Martel Wilder. Authorities allege Wilder was involved in the killing of Bang Cho, who was attacked at approximately 11:55 p.m. on April 19 in downtown Los Angeles. In addition to the murder charge, prosecutors said Wilder is also facing an allegation involving a prior serious felony conviction. The case remains pending as investigators and prosecutors continue court proceedings related to the deadly attack.
