[04-23-2025] Los Angeles County, CA – Man Fatally Stabbed in Valley Village Apartment; Suspect Charged With Murder

A man was killed in a fatal stabbing after a break-in at an apartment complex in Valley Village, Los Angeles, on Wednesday morning, April 23, 2025.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department and District Attorney’s Office, the incident occurred just before 4:00 a.m. inside a fifth-floor unit at the Ashton Sherman Village complex located in the 12600 block of Riverside Drive. 

The victim, 53-year-old Menashe H., was found dead during a welfare check three days later on April 26.

Authorities allege that 27-year-old Erick E. accessed the building’s roof and used a skylight to break into a vacant apartment adjacent to the victim’s unit. He then reportedly climbed from the vacant unit’s balcony to Menashe’s and entered, leading to a violent confrontation. Erick allegedly stabbed Menashe to death with a screwdriver.

Erick, who was reportedly captured on surveillance trying to access other units using a screwdriver, was arrested nearly two weeks later at a local hospital. He has been charged with murder and residential burglary, with special allegations including use of a deadly weapon and commission of murder during a burglary.

Following the incident, Menashe’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the apartment complex, citing over 50 prior complaints to management regarding security issues and unauthorized access. 

The case remains under investigation.