LAPD Arrests Suspect in Valley Village April Murder

Erick Escamilla, 27, was arrested in connection with the April 23 killing of 53-year-old Menashe Hidra in Valley Village after being located at a hospital where he was receiving medical treatment. Escamilla reportedly entered Hidra's apartment through a skylight in an adjacent vacant unit and traversed balconies before the fatal altercation. Although police initially responded to reports of a fight at the apartment, they did not enter the unit after receiving no response, and Hidra's body was only discovered days later during a welfare check. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged questions about the initial police response and announced an internal investigation is underway. The case has raised community concerns and scrutiny of the LAPD's handling of the incident. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Valley Bureau homicide detectives or Crime Stoppers.