A woman who admitted to the killing of entertainment consultant Michael Latt, following a threatening incident involving film director A.V. Rockwell, has been sentenced to 35 years to life in prison. Jameelah Elena Michl, convicted of first-degree murder and burglary charges in connection to the November attack, targeted Latt due to his association with Rockwell. Latt, known for his work in social impact within the film industry, was a close friend of directors Ava DuVernay and Ryan Coogler. His death had a profound impact on Hollywood.
Prosecutors stated that Michl forced her way into Latt’s Los Angeles home on November 27, 2023, and fatally shot him with a semi-automatic handgun. Latt, a well-respected consultant, was mourned by many in the industry. Following his death, his mother, Michelle Satter, received an Oscar for her role as a founding director of the Sundance Institute, turning her award acceptance into a tribute to her son.
During the sentencing, Michl’s public defender, Kimberly Wong, conveyed a statement on behalf of her client expressing remorse and taking responsibility for the harm caused. Wong mentioned that Michl, who had been homeless and facing multiple traumas, changed her plea to guilty in an effort to bring closure and healing to all affected parties. Despite the tragic outcome, Michl’s defense attorney declined to provide additional comments on the case.
