Residents in Valley Village Apartment Complex Living in Fear After Gruesome Murder
A sense of fear and frustration permeates the Ashton Sherman Village Apartments in Valley Village following the unresolved murder of 53-year-old Menashe “Manny” Hidra. Residents are demanding increased security measures from building management, who have yet to take substantial action in light of the tragedy.
Incident Overview
Hidra’s body was discovered on April 26, 2025, inside his apartment located on the top floor of the five-story building on Riverside Drive. A friend, concerned for his well-being as he was reportedly ill with COVID-19, prompted a welfare check by calling the authorities.
Eyewitness Accounts
Matthew Maxfield, a resident living below Hidra, revealed that he heard distressing sounds at around 3 a.m. on April 23, just days before the grim discovery. “I just woke up to some loud noises, something crashing,” he recounted. “There was screaming, and I called our security and the police immediately.”
Surveillance Footage and Suspect Description
Investigators have obtained chilling surveillance footage that shows an unidentified man, who is now considered a potential suspect, trying to access various apartments just before the murder occurred. This individual is described as a Hispanic male, aged between 30 and 40, standing 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 180–200 pounds. On the night of April 23, he was seen wearing a dark jacket with a baseball cap, a white shirt, and blue jeans.
Residents’ Concerns
Many residents have expressed their concerns regarding security. It is believed that the assailant gained access to Hidra’s apartment through an unoccupied unit on the fifth floor, utilizing the balcony to reach his apartment. Bloodstains discovered between the two balconies, along with evidence of a bloodstained door handle leading to an exit stairwell, support this theory. One resident highlighted the unsettling reality: “I walk past those bloodstains every day now. They’re still there.”
Management’s Response
Building management has offered minimal reassurances, issuing an email stating, “We understand that incidents like these can be concerning, and we want to assure you that our team is fully cooperating. You may continue to see a police presence on-site in the coming days.” However, residents feel this response has not adequately addressed their heightened fears.
Ongoing Safety Issues
Multiple complaints have been lodged by residents regarding persistent security issues, including transients reportedly living on the building’s roof and broken security fobs allowing easy access to the property. “What measures are they taking to keep us safe?” questioned one resident in disbelief over the lack of action.
Call for Assistance
The Los Angeles Police Department has urged anyone with information about the case or who recognizes the potential suspect to come forward. They can contact LAPD’s Valley Bureau at 818-374-9559. Alternatively, tips can be submitted anonymously via the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or through their website at lacrimestoppers.org.