Janitor Fatally Stabbed While Preventing Intruder from Entering Building

A Los Angeles janitor was fatally stabbed while trying to prevent an intruder from entering the apartment complex where he worked.

Per the Los Angeles Police Department, at around 2:30 p.m. at the Park La Brea apartment complex, a 50-year-old man, later identified by union SEIU - United Service Workers West as custodian Tomas Mejia, was approached by a man allegedly attempting to break into the building.

ABC7 adds that the white 17-year-old suspect — who is currently in custody — was allegedly trying to get into his girlfriend's apartment and attacked Mejia to get keys to the building.

Union representative Alejandra Valles added to the outlet, "We believe Tomas tried to fight to defend himself and make sure the keys to the building were secure so the tenants were safe. Unfortunately, he lost his life protecting the tenants he loved and the tenants that loved him."

Police say Mejia was stabbed multiple times before the suspect fled on foot. Mejia was pronounced dead at the scene.

The union notes that Mejia was an immigrant from El Salvador and served on the executive board of SEIU - United Service Workers West for 25 years. He was also a peer-to-peer advocate in the Ya Basta Center, also known as a Compadre, which fought against patriarchy, sexual violence, domestic violence, and the dangers that immigrant janitors face while working night shifts.

“I am devastated because we lost a genuine and authentic voice that has been silenced by an act of violence,” an SEIU rep said in a statement. “His spirit of fighting for others will live through all of us that he has touched over the years. Long live Tomas Mejia, warrior, friend, leader, husband and father.”

The union added that he leaves behind a wife and family, for whom he was the main provider.

Per a GoFundMe set up by Valles, aimed at raising funds for Mejia’s funeral as well as for his family, Mejia recently purchased his first home.

As of this writing, the page has raised around $116K out of its $125K goal.

Mejia’s cousin, David Mejia, told KTLA 5 that Mejia was a joker who would spread joy wherever he went.

“He would walk in and give off a vibrant light, a great feeling to have that presence with him,” David said via translation.