An aspiring TV producer was mistakenly killed by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. officers on Monday night in West Hollywood.
Deputies mistook John Winkler for a stabbing suspect at a Palm Avenue apartment complex.
Winkler, who had reportedly left his apartment to help neighbors taken hostage by an unidentified man, was shot and killed. Three deputies fired at Winkler when he rushed out of the apartment with one of two other victims, sheriff’s officials said in a statement. He was shot once and died.
“The apartment door suddenly opened and a male victim came rushing out,” the statement said. “He was covered in blood and bleeding profusely from the neck. Simultaneously, victim Winkler ran out of the door, lunging at the back of the fleeing victim. Both ran directly at the deputies.”
The 30-year-old was just hired by Comedy Central as a production assistant on “Tosh.0.” Winkler moved to L.A. six months ago from Washington to pursue a career in entertainment.
Update: Comedy Central has released a statement regarding Winkler’s death.
“Comedy Central and ‘Tosh.0’ extend their deepest condolences to the family of John Winkler. We only had the privilege of working with him for a short while and extend heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends during this tragic time.”
“Tosh.0” star Daniel Tosh tweeted his condolences.
only had the privilege of working with John Winkler for a short while. we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.
— daniel tosh (@danieltosh) April 11, 2014
