The speeding driver who struck on-duty Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Shiou Lih Deng and stranded motorist Jesús Arturo Garcia on the 405 Freeway last year has been charged with murder in the deaths of both men. Sgt. Deng was 53 years old and had served the LAPD for over 26 years.
“This case is a tragic reminder that police officers risk their lives every day to keep us safe,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “I extend my deepest condolences to Sgt. Deng and Mr. Garcia’s family and loved ones. Sgt. Deng spent half his life serving the public with bravery and selflessness as an LAPD officer. His death is a profound loss to the LAPD community and Los Angeles. Mr. Garcia, only 34 years old, was devoted to his family and, like all Angelenos, deserved to make it home safely after a long shift at work. I want to emphasize that speeding kills. If you drive over 100 mph and kill someone, you are on a fast-track to a murder charge. I thank the California Highway Patrol for their thorough and diligent work in bringing justice to the families.”Read more...
As Independence Day approaches, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman is reminding residents of the devastating consequences of illegal fireworks and explosives, including the Office’s commitment to prosecute those who transport, sell and use these lethal devices.
“Far too often, we have seen the destruction and deadly consequences of explosive devices that are illegally transported across state lines, sold in our communities and set off resulting in catastrophic explosions often killing innocent bystanders,” District Attorney Hochman said. “As Independence Day approaches, I want to remind our communities that celebrations with illegal fireworks and explosives are not harmless entertainment; these devices can kill people, causing devastating injuries and destroying entire neighborhoods. Recent tragedies in Los Angeles County are heartbreaking reminders of what can happen when these dangerous explosives are set off. To anyone who manufactures, supplies, distributes, stores or sells illegal fireworks: You are breaking the law, and my office stands ready to aggressively hold you accountable.”Read more...
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman today announced felony state tax evasion charges against comedian Carlos Mencia for failing to report $8.7 million in personal and corporate income taxes between tax years 2019-2024. This is the first case filed by the Office’s newly established Business Tax Fraud Unit.
“Mr. Mencia has an income most people can only dream of, and like everyone else he is required to file his personal and corporate tax returns and pay his fair share,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “Failing to report millions of dollars in income is a slap in the face to hardworking Californians who diligently file and pay their taxes every year because they care about their communities and the public goods, like police, fire, roads, and utilities, their tax dollars provide. Today we are sending a message to the tax scofflaws that it is no longer business as usual in Los Angeles County – the days of a free pass for failing to file returns and pay taxes are over.”Read more...
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman was joined today by law enforcement partners and FIFA officials to update the public on safety measures ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup slated to begin next week.
Tens of thousands of fans are expected to flock to the Los Angeles area as part of the most anticipated and recognizable international football tournament that will take part in 16 cities across North America, covering more than five weeks.
“Los Angeles is ready to shine on the world’s biggest stage, inviting people from every corner of the world to celebrate this once-in-a-generation event,” District Attorney Hochman said. “Our number one and most important goal is to keep everyone safe. Toward that end, we are joining fellow local, state and federal law enforcement partners to send an unmistakably clear message to those looking to commit crimes during these games: bad choices could land you a red card and a one-way ticket to watch the games from the inside of a jail.”Read more...
Seven people have been charged with felonies in connection with a surge of organized residential burglaries that has affected the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities over the past several months.
“These organized burglary crews target hardworking families in the very place they should feel safest, their homes,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “The conduct alleged in these cases is brazen, calculated and predatory. These defendants are accused of prowling neighborhoods, smashing their way into homes and stealing from families who were left shaken and violated. If you come into our communities to terrorize neighborhoods and prey on innocent people, law enforcement will track you down and you will be held accountable.”
“The dedicated efforts of our detectives, deputies, and law enforcement partners who worked on this case were instrumental in identifying those responsible, recovering critical evidence, and bringing those responsible to face justice,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. “Residential burglary is more than a crime against property, it is a violation of a victim’s sense of safety, security, and peace of mind. Through strong investigative work, coordinated enforcement efforts, and a shared commitment to accountability, we are sending a clear message: those who target our communities will be identified, pursued, and held accountable.”
“These arrests are the result of strong collaboration with our neighboring law enforcement partners and our shared commitment to protecting the communities we serve,” said Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff.Read more...
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced that musician David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, was charged today with murdering 14-year-old Celeste R., whose body was found decomposed and dismembered in his car that had been impounded in September 2025.
“Celeste was just a child, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in repeated lewd and lascivious sexual relations with her,” District Attorney Hochman said. “But Burke’s actions did not allegedly stop there. When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body and stuffed her body in two bags that were placed in the front trunk of his car. There the dismembered body sat for over four months decomposing until it was found at a tow yard on Sept. 8, 2025. This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling. To Celeste’s loved ones, we will get the justice you seek and deserve.”Read more...
James Heaps, 69, was sentenced to 11 years in prison and required to register as a sex offender for life after he pleaded guilty today to sexually assaulting five female patients from 2011-2018 while working as an obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA. Heaps pleaded at a pretrial hearing just two months after a California appeals court overturned his 2023 conviction due to an error by the trial judge.
“Today marks the second time that we’re holding James Heaps responsible for the unconscionable crimes he committed while being entrusted with the safety of his patients,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “For years, Heaps exploited the sacred trust between a doctor and patient to prey on vulnerable victims during medical procedures. This sentence ensures that Heaps will finally be held accountable for the harm he inflicted under the guise of care. To the survivors: I hope today brings you closure knowing that the individual who violated your trust has been definitively brought to justice. To all survivors, please know that we believe you and we will fight for you.”Read more...
A former California Highway Patrol officer and a 27-year-old woman were charged today with four counts of murder for their respective roles in a fiery crash that left four people dead on the 605 Freeway last summer.
“This horrific tragedy could have been avoided if a motorist accused of drunk driving hadn’t gotten behind the wheel and driven over 110 miles per hour and an on-duty CHP officer hadn’t driven over 130 miles per hour and neglected his duty,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “These two defendants are now inextricably linked because they consciously chose to disregard human life over responsibility, leaving four families grieving and irreparably changing the lives of everyone affected by one night of unimaginable trauma.”Read more...
