A film extra, Jameelah Michl, has been sentenced to 35 years to life in prison for the first-degree murder of Michael Latt, an entertainment marketing consultant and social justice advocate. Michl, 36, admitted to fatally shooting Latt inside his Los Angeles home on November 27. The sentencing took place in Los Angeles Superior Court after Michl pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and first-degree burglary last month. Court records also show that she admitted to using a firearm during the attack.
Prosecutors revealed that Michl had no prior connection to Latt but had targeted him due to his friendship with a woman she had been stalking. Armed with a semi-automatic handgun, Michl knocked on the door of Latt’s residence on Alandele Avenue, forced her way inside, and shot him. Latt, 33, was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón expressed that the sentencing brings some closure to Latt’s family, friends, and the community. Latt, the CEO of Lead With Love, a consulting firm focused on promoting Black creatives and underrepresented voices in Hollywood, was known for his advocacy for equality, justice, and equity in the criminal legal system. Gascón acknowledged Latt’s significant impact and stated that his legacy would continue to inspire efforts towards a more just and inclusive society.
Investigations revealed that Latt’s murder was the culmination of a series of threats made by Michl, who had been stalking film director A.V. Rockwell. Michl had worked as an extra on Rockwell’s film “A Thousand and One” and had developed an unhealthy obsession with the director. Initially, her attempts at interaction seemed harmless, including sending a gift box and expressing admiration for Rockwell’s work. However, her emails took a dark turn, with Michl threatening self-harm and mentioning her possession of a firearm.
Rockwell eventually sought a restraining order against Michl in June 2023, citing panic attacks and disrupted professional relationships caused by her messages. Both Rockwell and Latt had attended the Sundance Film Festival in January 2023, where they took photos together. Latt had posted one of these photos on Instagram, congratulating Rockwell on her feature film directorial debut.
1 Response
As a fellow film extra, I was shocked and saddened to hear about Jameelah Michl’s involvement in such a tragic incident. It’s disheartening to think that someone within our industry could be capable of such a heinous crime.
I remember working on a film set where Jameelah was also present as an extra. She seemed like a quiet and reserved person, always focused on her work. We would exchange small talk during breaks, discussing our experiences on set and the challenges of being an extra