HOLLYWOOD—A homeless man has been charged with the death of a Good Samaritan who attempted to defend a young child that he allegedly berated at a fast-food restaurant on June 18. Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood Division apprehended Jeremy Harris, 46, on July 31

Harris was charged with one count of voluntary manslaughter on August 4 in connection to the death of Gabriel Ortega, 57.


Ortega was at a McDonald’s restaurant on the 1400 block of Vine Street on June 18 at around 9:35 p.m., when he spotted Harris yelling at a 3-year-old boy, who was not related to him. When Ortega saw the suspect walking towards the child with his fists clutched he stepped in to intervene. That is when Harris punched the victim several times in the face and head.  

 

Greg Risling, Public Information Officer with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office informed Canyon News via email that the child’s parents were at the restaurant and that no patrons came forward to aid the Good Samaritan.

 

The victim admitted himself to the hospital on June 20, and later died from injuries sustained on July 14. Harris’ bail has been set at $100,000. If convicted as charged, Harris faces up to 11 years in a state prison.

 

The Los Angeles Police Department is still investigating the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact West Bureau Homicide Detectives Jose Robledo or Fernando Rivas at (213) 382-9470.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).

 

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimes Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) on most keypads) with cell a phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”