November 18, 2024 -- A 43-year-old man who may have developmental disabilities fatally stabbed his elderly mother early Saturday morning in an apartment in the Wilmont neighborhood, according to police.
Vernon Jeremiah Harris, who lives in the apartment with his mother and two older brothers allegedly stabbed his mother several times in the upper body with a knife, police said.
One of the brothers who was at the scene reported an aggravated assault in the apartment on the 1100 block of 12th Street shortly after 5:30 a.m., according to police.
"The brother woke up this morning when he heard his mother yelling for help," said SMPD spokesperson Lt. Erika Aklufi.
"When he walked into her bedroom, he found Harris standing over her with a knife."
When responding officers arrived, they found the two brothers at the scene and removed them from the apartment, Aklufi said.
"An elderly female was down inside, suffering from several upper body stab wounds," she said.
Officers gave the victim emergency medical aid until SMFD paramedics arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital, Aklufi said. The victim died of her wounds on the way.
Harris, who may have physical and developmental disabilities, has no known criminal history, according to police.
"The brother who called police acts as a caregiver for Harris and their mother," Aklufi said. "The third brother was at work during the incident but arrived on scene during the investigation."
Both brothers provided statements for detectives, Aklufi said,
and Harris admitted to the stabbing.
A search warrant was executed at the apartment and detectives located the weapon used in the attack, police said. Forensics responded and processed the scene.
Harris was booked for homicide and transported to Los Angeles County Jail to await his first court appearance, according to police.
Anyone with information about this incident or suspect should email Detective Jauregui at martin.jauregui@santamonica.gov or Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.