VALLEY VILLAGE, CA – Residents of a luxury apartment complex in Valley Village are on edge after a chilling discovery and a potential murderer on the loose. Surveillance footage has captured an unidentified man roaming the halls of the building, located at the intersection of Sherman Village and Riverside Drive, trying door handles as if searching for an unlocked entry. Days later, the body of a resident was found in one of the apartments, prompting an urgent investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
The LAPD has released images from the security footage, hoping the public can help identify the suspect. The man is described as Hispanic, between 30 and 40 years old, with black hair, and stands about 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall. He weighs between 180 and 200 pounds. In the footage, he is seen traversing the stairwell of the building, possibly scouting for an opportunity to commit a crime.
The victim has been identified by the Los Angeles County Coroner as 53-year-old Menasha “Manny” Heater. Authorities believe Heater’s apartment was illegally entered, leading to a fatal confrontation. The unsettling footage and the subsequent murder have left residents fearful for their safety, with some choosing to remain anonymous due to concerns for their security.
Residents have voiced longstanding complaints about the building’s security, pointing to broken main entrance doors and side doors that allow strangers to enter the premises with ease. They have shared stories of various unknown individuals attempting to gain access to apartments, with one incident involving a man smashing a laptop against a wall.
Despite repeated attempts to reach out to the property management company for comment, no response has been received. The lack of communication has only heightened the anxiety among residents, who are calling for immediate improvements to the building’s security measures.
The LAPD is urging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. With a potential killer still at large, the neighborhood is advised to stay alert and take precautions to ensure their safety.