Murder charges were not filed against an unnamed male subject who witnesses and investigators say killed 47-year-old Michael Hess in self defense during a physical altercation last month. 

On April 23, Hess and the subject–who live in the same apartment complex in the 6500 block of Indiana Ave.–were involved in a physical and verbal dispute in the complex’s garage area that escalated into the subject’s bedroom, eventually resulting in Hess’ death. Investigators said the subject repeatedly attempted to end the dispute, but Hess–who was trained in martial arts–would not let him, continually re-instigating the argument, along with the physical altercation, even as the subject retreated into his apartment. 

“Victim Hess continued to pursue the male subject and climbed a six-foot gate to gain access to a secured area of the complex where the male subject’s window could be accessed,” the Long Beach Police Department said in a statement. “Hess was successful in pulling a screwed in screen off of the bathroom window and climbing inside.”

According to authorities and corroborating witness statements, the male subject then armed himself with a kitchen knife and when Hess entered his bedroom and attacked him, the subject defended himself, killing Hess. 

The Los Angeles District Attorney was reviewed the information last week and determined that the subject acted in self defense and murder charges were not warranted.

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