Comments
ANIMAL WATCH - The fatal daytime attack and stabbing death of Berry Le’Mar Henderson on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has renewed concerns about public safety, violent crime, and the continuing deterioration of one of Los Angeles’ most famous tourist destinations.
Residents and business owners say the era when visitors could comfortably stroll Hollywood Boulevard day or night while admiring the stars of entertainment legends is rapidly disappearing. The May 20 killing of Henderson near Hollywood Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue has become a symbol of those growing fears.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Henderson, 37, was waiting at a bus stop around 3:30 p.m. when he was suddenly attacked by a pit bull. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Henderson attempting to flee across Hollywood Boulevard as the dog bit at his ankles.
Family members and witnesses say Henderson defended himself by stabbing the dog during the attack. Moments later, a group of men — including the dog’s owner — allegedly chased, beat, and stabbed Henderson in broad daylight.
Video footage captured near a 7-Eleven on Hollywood Boulevard shows Henderson running across Hollywood Boulevard, while the dog bites at his ankles. Then, multiple men surrounding Henderson, punching and kicking him while at least one suspect appeared to be armed.
LAPD officials said Henderson suffered multiple stab wounds and later died at a hospital.
Police arrested four suspects in connection with the killing, including 55-year-old Patrick Randall Perry, identified by investigators as the dog’s owner. The other suspects were identified as Bruce Lamont Fuller Jr., Isaul Hernandez, and Robert Anthony Garcia. All four were arrested on suspicion of murder and initially held on $2 million bail.
Family members described Henderson as a “gentle giant” who was well-known in the Hollywood area.
“He wasn’t an aggressor; he didn’t do anything wrong,” said cousin Demeya Brewer during a candlelight vigil held near the scene of the attack. “If a dog attacked you, you have a right to defend yourself.”
The killing has intensified criticism of conditions in Hollywood, where residents say violent crime, homelessness, mental health issues, and street disorder continue to impact both tourists and locals.
Some activists also claim concerns had previously been raised about the dog and its owner. Community activist William Gude, known online as “Film The Police LA,” reportedly said he previously provided LAPD with video involving the same dog owner allegedly threatening individuals with a baton.
The attack occurred in one of the busiest pedestrian corridors in Los Angeles and in full public view, leaving many residents shaken by both the violence itself and the apparent lack of immediate intervention.
Community members now hope upcoming city elections will bring renewed focus on public safety, law enforcement presence, and restoring confidence in Hollywood as a destination for residents and visitors alike.
The investigation remains ongoing.
(Phyllis M. Daugherty is a former Los Angeles City employee and a long-time animal welfare advocate. A contributor to CityWatchLA, she is known for her investigative reporting on animal shelter operations, misuse of public funds, and the dangers of poorly regulated pet adoption policies. She is a strong proponent of public safety in animal control, advocating for stricter oversight of aggressive dog breeds, especially pit bulls, and for breed-specific legislation.)
