Homeless man charged with murder for allegedly lighting elderly dementia patient on fire — as grim new details emerge
By Katie Jerkovich
Published on April 24, 2026.
A homeless man, Lavonta Martel Wilder, has been charged with murder in the death of 84-year-old Bang Cho, who was disoriented and living with dementia when he allegedly beat and set him on fire in downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office stated that Cho had grabbed Wilder's bag and Wilder viciously punched and kicked him in the head and body, before throwing him onto the ground. Wilder was later located on Sixth Street and taken into custody. If convicted, Wilder could face up to life in state prison.
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