(BrightPress.org) – A suspect has been arrested and charged after breaking into the home of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass early morning on Sunday, April 21st. The Los Angeles Police Department arrested Ephraim Matthew Hunter, 29, without incident after he allegedly broke a glass door and entered the residence. Bass and other family members including a grandchild were inside the home when Hunter made entry.
Hunter appeared in court on Tuesday where he pleaded not guilty to felony charges of first-degree residential burglary to an occupied residence and vandalism. If convicted, he could face up to 13 years and 4 months in prison. Bail was set at $100,000. There are no details yet on an attorney for Hunter.
The burglary occurred during a gap in the presence of security on the property, but LAPD Chief Dominic Choi said Hunter acted so quickly when he jumped the fence and broke the glass door he probably would have gained entry to the residence even if security had been present.
Hunter injured himself while breaking the glass door and left blood on the doorknobs of rooms he attempted to enter. Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon said Hunter’s actions inside the home indicate Hunter had targeted Bass’s home and was searching for the Mayor inside the residence. Gascon also claims Hunter caused $5,000-$10,000 worth of damage to the house.
Hunter has a history of violent behavior. In 2015, Hunter brutally beat another man with a hammer and was sentenced to 5-7 years in prison in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. He was convicted of attempted murder and possession of heroin along with other charges.
Josephine Duah, Hunter’s mother, claims Hunter is “losing his mind” and needs help with his mental health. Duah said she does not believe her son knew where he was or what he was doing and randomly sought refuge in Bass’s home because he thought he was being chased.
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