Hate crime, murder charges filed

A man has been charged with a hate crime after the slaying of a homeless person this month in Sylmar, authorities said.

Eric Antonio Sanchez, 29, was charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder with a hate crime allegation in the death of Ryan Bush, 48, the L.A. County district attorney’s office announced Wednesday. Prosecutors say Sanchez targeted Bush because Bush was wearing women’s clothing.

Sanchez’s bail was set at $3 million, said Greg Risling, a spokesperson for the district attorney’s office.

Sanchez is accused of shooting Bush in the early hours of July 5. Bush was speaking to another person when Sanchez “made disparaging and offensive comments” about Bush, authorities said.

Sanchez fired multiple shots before fleeing. Bush later died at a hospital.

“Targeting someone because of their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation is unconscionable,” Dist. Atty. George Gascón said in a news release.

Sanchez is also charged with shooting at a bystander, who was not hit.

An arraignment hearing took place Wednesday and will continue on Aug. 3 at the San Fernando Courthouse, Risling said.

“Hate crimes have spiked across the country in recent years and we remain steadfast in ensuring that we hold these violent individuals accountable while working to prevent such violence from happening in the future,” Gascón said.