Eric Escamilla murders

Erick Escamilla (dob 10/7/97) was charged in case 25CJCF02553 with one count of murder with the special circumstance allegation that the murder was committed during a burglary. He also faces one felony count of first-degree residential burglary.

The complaint also alleges that Escamilla personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a screwdriver, to commit the crime, and that he has previously been convicted of residential burglary in 2019.

The case was filed for warrant on May 8. Arraignment will be scheduled for a later date.

On April 23, at about 3:50 a.m., Escamilla is accused of breaking into an apartment complex in the 12600 block of Riverside Drive and fatally stabbing Menashe Hidra with a screwdriver. Three days later, a welfare check was conducted at Hidra’s apartment where police found the victim.

If convicted as charged, Escamilla faces death or life in state prison without the possibility of parole. A decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made a later date.

The case will be prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Chung of the Major Crimes Division and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.