Crime & Safety

$50,000 Reward Offered in Gatto Killing

The L.A. City Council approves the funds to help catch the killer of the 78-year-old father of Assemblyman Mike Gatto.

By City News Service

The Los Angeles City Council signed off today on a $50,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of whoever is responsible for the killing of Joseph Gatto, the 78-year-old father of Assemblyman Mike Gatto.

Gatto's district includes La Canada Flintridge, Silver Lake, Burbank, Glendale and part of the La Crescenta region.

Find out what's happening in Montrose-La Crescentawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The emergency reward motion, introduced by council members Tom LaBonge, Mitch O'Farrell and Joe Buscaino, was approved 12-0.

Police Chief Charlie Beck and Mayor Eric Garcetti are scheduled to discuss the reward at an afternoon news conference. The assemblyman and his family are expected to be in attendance.

Find out what's happening in Montrose-La Crescentawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Joseph Gatto, a former teacher, was found shot to death Nov. 13 in his home in the 2800 block of Bright Lane in Silver Lake.

A suspect was spotted the night before the killing and threatened witnesses with death when he was caught breaking into a vehicle in the 2300 block of Moreno Drive, according to Officer Sara Faden of the Los Angeles Police Department's Media Relations Section.

When the first of two witnesses confronted the suspect, he pointed a gun and threatened to kill her. When another witness confronted the suspect, he repeated the threat. He then fled on foot down public stairs on Tesla Avenue.

The suspect was described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, 180 pounds and in his early 20s. He was wearing a multi-colored hooded sweatshirt and tan pants, a tan backpack and displayed a handgun.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to call Los Angeles police detectives Barry Telis or Chris Gable at (213) 486-6890 or the LAPD's hotline at (877) 527-3247.


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