One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Man Accused of Breaking Into LL Cool J's Home Charged, Would Be His 'Third Strike' If Convicted
LL Cool J (Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com)
The man accused of breaking into rapper and actor LL Cool J's Studio City home has been identified as Jonathan A. Kirby, a 56-year-old transient with an extensive rap sheet, and now he faces a potential "third strike." Kirby, who was injured when he was confronted by the "NCIS Los Angeles Star," has been charged with first-degree burglary with a person present, says the District Attorney's office. If convicted, the crime would be Kirby's "third strike," and carry a sentence of 38 years to life.
The break-in took place early Wednesday morning. When LL Cool J (nee James Todd Smith) heard noises downstairs, he went to investigate, and encountered Kirby, who he took down and detained until police arrived. The Los Angeles Police Department were called to the scene by a female caller reporting an intruder in the house.
Kirby's record includes theft and disorderly conduct arrests in both L.A. and Orange County, and served time in the 1990s for burglary and just a few years ago for petty theft.
LL Cool J was unharmed in the confrontation. A statement issued by his representative offers the following: "As a father, husband and citizen, he is committed to keeping his family safe and is cooperating with authorities on this private matter.''
Kirby remains hospitalized with a broken nose, jaw and ribs, and his arraignment date has yet to be announced.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
