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Porn Insiders Warned of Alleged Killer's Instability, Violent Past
Hill, aka Steve Driver (MySpace)
Hill, aka Steve Driver (MySpace)
More information is coming to light about the suspect in a grisly stabbing that took place in Van Nuys last night. Adult industry worker and performer Stephen Hill, aka "Steve Driver," has a violent past, according to LA Now, including a 1998 assault conviction in Maryland following an incident in which he "threatened a teaching assistant [at a college campus] with a handgun," and demanded he be assigned an A for the course.But a series of emails sent among adult entertainment industry insiders obtained by LAist reveal that Hill's instability was much-discussed and cautioned against within the business. Emails sent in mid-April that include the suspect's full name and alias mention not only Hill's criminal record, but threats he made at industry gatherings, his transient lifestyle and the likelihood of him being armed. The emails also contained three separate images showing Hill brandishing weapons.
Hill, 30, allegedly used a machete-like weapon to stab three of his co-workers at a video facility in Van Nuys, one of whom died from their wounds after being taken to the hospital. While the deceased's name has not been released, online speculation points to porn actor Tom Dong, a star of several foot fetish films.
However, not all who received the warning emails about Hill, aka Driver, felt the need to fear the struggling actor. Dan Leal, CEO of Immoral Productions, says he was acquainted with Hill, and always felt he was "nice and respectful." To Leal, the information about Hill that was being shared within the industry did not inspire a strong reaction. In fact, Leal says he was "pretty shocked" this morning when he heard of Hill's alleged rampage, that may have taken the life of Dong, with whom Leal worked on two occasions.
Hill, meanwhile, remains at large. He had been living and working at the Van Nuys facility where the stabbing spree took place, and it is believed he had just found out he was losing his job and place to stay.
Additional reporting by LAist Editor Zach Behrens
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