Michael Latt grew up in Pacific Palisades. A marketing strategist, he was killed in his home. He leaves behind a firm dedicated to uplifting marginalized artists.
(Michael Latt / Sundance Institute via AP)
Michael Latt, 33, the son of Palisadians Michelle Satter and David Latt was killed on November 27.
A statement released by the Sundance Institute, which his mother founded in 1981, stated: “Monday evening marked a heartbreaking tragedy for Michelle Satter, her husband David Latt and their son Franklin Latt.
“Our Sundance family mourns the devastating loss of their son and brother, Michael Latt, who fell victim to a tragic act of violence,” the statement read. “He dedicated his career to serving others, employing storytelling, art and various mediums to create enduring change and galvanizing communities with hope, love and inspiration.
“Michael will never be forgotten, and his legacy and work will carry on through his family, his friends and his colleagues. Our community extends our love and support to the family, his fiancé Hannah Lovingood and their loved ones, and all those who had the privilege of knowing Michael,” the statement said. “In this difficult time, we kindly request that the family’s privacy be honored as they grieve the loss of their cherished Michael.”
The Los Angeles Police Department reported that the incident happened around 6 p.m. in the 900 block of Alandele, near the intersection of Olympic and San Vicente Boulevards in the Mid-Wilshire District.
The shooter, Jameelah Elena Michal, 36, remained on the scene. Her primary residence at the time was her car. She was arrested on one count of murder and one count of first-degree residential burglary with a person present. She is being held in the Los Angeles County Jail on $3 million bail.
According to a statement released by the Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, “Michl allegedly went to the victim’s residence after she targeted him for being friends with a woman she had been stalking. She allegedly knocked on the door, forcing herself into the residence once it was opened by one of the occupants. Michl, who was allegedly armed with a semi-automatic handgun, shot and killed the victim inside of the home.”
Latt grew up in Pacific Palisades and attended Marquez Elementary. He graduated from Palisades High School in 2008, where he was quarterback on the football team. He went to U.C. Davis and later graduated from Chapman University in 2013 with a degree in public relations and advertising.
He worked in entertainment marketing for several years, before he shifted his focus. In a 2019 story in Forbes (“Michael Latt Is Channeling Hollywood’s Appetite for Social Change”) he said, “The moment I realized that I could use my skill set for social good, I decided to dedicate the rest of my career to helping others, empowering storytellers of color, and fighting injustice wherever it stands.”
He founded Lead with Love, an organization focused on social justice work through the arts.
His years at the organization saw him working with rapper and actor Common on 2017’s “Hope & Redemption Tour” and Martin Luther King Jr. Day events at the Riverside Church in Harlem with speakers Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o and Ta-Nehisi Coates.
His friends are devastated by his death and describe him as a good guy and a social justice warrior. One reader summed up the feelings of many, “I am in shock. He was a nice young man living with his girlfriend in Mid-Wilshire.”
His mother wrote on social media, “Our beloved son Michael Latt fell victim to a tragic act of violence this week. Michael devoted his career to supporting artists, championing organizations that raised up artists of color, & leveraged storytelling for enduring change. We celebrate his legacy, love & compassion.”