Homeless man accused of random stabbing of elderly woman in neck on DTLA street was suspected in 2025 encampment killing
The Homeless Man Accused of Random Stabbing in Downtown LA
A homeless man, Kenneth Gibson, has been accused of a random stabbing of an elderly woman in Downtown LA. This shocking incident has left the victim, Riffat Sultana Kazmi, 70, in critical condition in the hospital. Gibson, 39, pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder charge on Tuesday morning.
What makes this crime even more alarming is the fact that Gibson was on parole for killing another man. He was previously identified as a suspect in the killing of a homeless man in a Downtown encampment almost a year before the recent stabbing incident.
Gibson has an extensive criminal history with nine felony convictions since 2014, including charges for assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, robbery, narcotics, and weapons. Despite this, he now faces one count of attempted murder for the attack on Kazmi near Grand Hope Park.
The senseless and vicious nature of the attack has shaken the community, with Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman describing it as a heinous crime. The victim’s family described her as a compassionate person, highlighting the tragic impact of such acts of violence.
Details of the Attack and Response
The attack on Kazmi took place on Hope Street near Olympic Boulevard, where Gibson allegedly stabbed her without any provocation. A physician’s assistant who was nearby at the time rushed to help the victim and applied pressure to her neck to stop the bleeding, ultimately saving her life.
Following the incident, Gibson was arrested and appeared in court wearing a yellow jail garb. He is currently held in custody awaiting trial, with bail set at $2,750,000. The case has raised concerns about public safety in Los Angeles, with Hochman emphasizing the need for everyone to feel safe while walking the city streets.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains vigilant against such acts of violence and stands in solidarity with the victim and her family. The outcome of the trial will determine the accountability and justice in this disturbing case of random violence on the streets of Downtown LA.
