Encino residents are demanding officials take action following the murders of an “American Idol” executive and her husband earlier this month, which were followed by a rash of break-ins.
More than 500 people packed the Encino Community Center Monday night to share their frustration with the ongoing criminal activity, including five break-ins over the past twelve days.
“Why does it have to take a death in order for us to have a meeting like this?” said one woman at the meeting, referring to the killings of TV executive Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca, whose bodies were discovered on July 14.
The break-in is believed to have occurred on July 10 as the couple was returning home and caught the burglar in the act. Investigators believe the suspect shot the couple with their own gun during a violent struggle.
The community’s frustration was directed toward Los Angeles Police Department Captain Michael Bland and Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who were on hand to address the residents.
According to the LAPD, year-over-year violent crime is down in the area, but additional patrols between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. have been requested.
Hochman promised increased accountability for criminals.
“My goal is to deter criminals from committing the crimes in the first place, thus saving a whole lot of victims in the process,” Hochman said. “Because to deter criminals. Criminals have to appreciate that there is some level of certainty that they will be arrested and brought to justice if they commit the crime.”
Two more break-ins were reported Monday night, including one on the 4500 block of Hayvenhurst Avenue where the family was believed to be home when the suspects broke in through the garage before fleeing in an unknown vehicle.
The second burglary call occurred on the 4900 block of Enfield Avenue, but it was unclear if anything was taken.
No injuries were reported in either incident.