Ephraim Matthew Hunter, a 29-year-old career criminal, was arrested on Tuesday for breaking into the official mayoral residence of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Hunter, who was known to have a previous conviction for a brutal beating in Massachusetts, broke a rear glass door at Getty House, where Bass and her family were present, causing damage estimated between $5,000 and $10,000.
Hunter’s prior conviction in Massachusetts involved a violent assault where he and three other men beat up another individual with a hammer. He was sentenced to 5-7 years in prison for that offense. After his release, Hunter relocated to Los Angeles.
District Attorney George Gascón believes that Hunter targeted Bass due to the timing of the break-in. However, Hunter’s family has disputed this claim, stating that he suffers from mental health issues and was seeking refuge from perceived danger.
Hunter’s arrest comes at a time when crime in Los Angeles has been on the rise. The city has come under scrutiny for its soft-on-crime approach to court cases, with District Attorney Gascón facing criticism from opponents and law enforcement.
The burglary of Mayor Bass’s residence marks the second time in recent years that she has been the victim of a home break-in. During her campaign in 2022, two individuals stole a pair of handguns from her house, bypassing cash and electronics. The thieves, Patricio Munoz and Juan Espinoza, were sentenced to two years and 32 months in prison, respectively, for those crimes.
Hunter is being held on $100,000 bail and faces a maximum of 13 years and 4 months in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 6 for a preliminary hearing.
