LOS ANGELES — A substantial reward was offered on Tuesday, January 7 for information on the case of the murder of Joseph Gatto.
A press conference was held by the Los Angeles Police Department about the murder of Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s father, who was found dead from a gunshot wound on November 13 in his home on the 2800 block of Bright Lane in Silver Lake. Detectives have been unable to find the suspect or any eyewitnesses to the murder, which has led to a $50,000 reward being offered by the LAPD. In attendance at the press conference were Assemblyman Mike Gatto and his family, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and Robbery-Homicide Detectives Chris Gable and Barry Telis.
The only description out on the suspect is from a bulletin released by the LAPD on November 19. The bulletin describes an unknown white male attempting to break into the vehicle of a female victim. The victim was threatened with death after the suspect confronted the victim and held a gun to her, which was then followed by the suspect threatening a second person who came by before fleeing down Tesla Avenue.
The man was described to be 20 to 25 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall and 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a multi-colored hooded sweatshirt, tan pants and a tan backpack.
On December 4, the LAPD issued another bulletin alerting residents to the possibility of articles of jewelry created by Joseph Gatto being sold to pawnshops. The defining feature of these pieces is an engraving of Gatto’s name, “JAGATTO.” The accompanying picture, while not showing the pieces that were stolen, did show pieces that were similar, as noted by the bulletin.
The police are urging anyone with any information regarding the murder or the suspect to call Detectives Gable and Telis at 213-486-5910. A 24-hour hotline can also be dialed at 1-877-LAPD-247. Anonymous calls can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
