Woman Sentenced to 35 Years to Life for Killing Entertainment Consultant Michael Latt

Jameelah Elena Michl was sentenced to 35 years to life in prison on Wednesday July 10, for the murder of entertainment consultant and social justice advocate Michael Latt. Michl had pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree murder and first-degree burglary in connection with the November 27, 2023 attack.

Prosecutors and police revealed that Michl had been stalking and threatening film director A.V. Rockwell and targeted Latt because he was Rockwell’s friend. Latt was a consultant known for his work on social impact in film and entertainment. He collaborated with prominent directors such as “Selma” helmer Ava DuVernay and “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler. His untimely death was mourned throughout Hollywood.

According to prosecutors, Michl forcibly entered Latt’s Los Angeles home and fatally shot him with a semi-automatic handgun. He was pronounced dead at a hospital following the attack.

Response from the Community

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón stated, “As a tireless advocate for social justice, Mr. Latt championed equality, justice, and equity in our criminal legal system. His legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for a more just and inclusive society.”

Weeks after Latt’s tragic death, his mother, Michelle Satter, was honored with an Oscar for her work as a founding director of the Sundance Institute. During the ceremony, the tribute to her son was described by “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler, who presented the award, as Satter’s “greatest gift to the world.” Satter expressed her desire to share the award with Latt, stating that he always “led with love.”

Statement from the Defendant's Lawyer

During the sentencing, Michl’s public defender, Kimberly Wong, read a statement on behalf of her client. Wong stated, “Ms. Michl changed her plea to guilty in order to take responsibility for her actions and do the right thing for all involved. At the time of the shooting, she had been homeless on the streets of Los Angeles for nine months and struggling with multiple traumatic events. She is deeply saddened by the tremendous amount of pain she has caused and hopes that her change in plea will help everyone to be able to heal and move forward.” Wong declined to provide further comments on the case.