Overview
- A confrontation at a hot-dog cart near 7th and Figueroa on June 15 ended with 62-year-old vendor Arabelia Martinez knocked to the ground in an attack that was captured on bystander video.
- Police used videos shared on social media to identify 19-year-old Harmunie Heaven Church, who was arrested, charged with felony assault, aggravated battery and vandalism, and pleaded not guilty at arraignment.
- Bail was set at $105,000 and prosecutors say Church faces up to seven years and eight months in state prison if convicted on the current counts.
- Martinez spoke at a July 6 City Hall news conference urging other vendors to report attacks as she continues medical recovery with headaches and body pain, while officials and community groups have mobilized support and fundraising for her care.
- Advocates and officials say the case shows how viral video can aid investigations but also how legal and immigration pressures leave many street vendors reluctant to report violence, a dynamic that could shape whether prosecutors add a hate-crime enhancement.