Los Angeles, California – The man suspected of breaking into the home of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Sunday morning has a troubled history, with previous charges of kidnapping and attempted murder in Massachusetts. Ephraim Hunter, 29, allegedly smashed through a window at the Getty House in Windsor Square while Bass and her relatives were present, the Los Angeles Police Department reported. Fortunately, no one was harmed, and nothing was taken during the break-in. Hunter, a resident of Los Angeles, was arrested later that day on suspicion of burglary and taken into custody by police. The case is currently under investigation by the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division, with charges pending.
According to Hunter’s mother, he was battling drug addiction and possibly experiencing hallucinations at the time of the incident. Hunter claimed to his mother that he entered the mayor’s residence while fleeing from someone who was chasing him with a shotgun. He allegedly thought he was escaping danger by seeking refuge in the home. Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the break-in but noted that Hunter made it to the second floor of the residence, prompting Bass to hide in a secure location designed to defend against intruders.
Court records reveal that Hunter, originally from Massachusetts, has a criminal history that includes a violent crime conviction in 2015. He was involved in an assault where a man was beaten inside a van and left unconscious, resulting in a seven-year prison sentence for assault with a deadly weapon. Hunter’s mother insisted that he was innocent of the assault but was present during the incident.
After serving his sentence in Massachusetts, Hunter relocated to Los Angeles to start anew. While his mother believed he was doing well initially, she noticed a decline in his behavior in recent weeks, leading up to the break-in. Despite his troubled past, she described him as a kind and loving individual who had lost his way due to drugs and incarceration.
Mayor Bass, appearing at a news conference on her proposed city budget, assured the public of her safety and pledged to prioritize public safety in Los Angeles. She expressed gratitude to the LAPD for their swift response to the break-in and avoided speculating on whether she was specifically targeted. Security measures have been heightened at the Getty House following the incident, with a 24-hour police presence in the area.
As the investigation into the break-in continues, the community remains vigilant, with the mayor emphasizing the importance of keeping residents safe in the city. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining public security and addressing individuals with complex legal backgrounds.