Elderly woman strangled during home invasion robbery in Hollywood Hills; suspects outstanding

HOLLYWOOD HILLS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An elderly woman was strangled during a home invasion robbery in the Hollywood Hills overnight, triggering a search for the suspects.

Around 8 p.m. Thursday, officers responded to reports of a robbery at a home on Lookout Mountain Avenue near Wonderland Elementary School, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Three masked suspects demanded property, including money and jewelry, from the victim, then attacked and strangled the woman, police said.

The victim, estimated to be around 70-80 years of age, was taken to a hospital in unknown condition.

Neighbors identified the victim as Margaux Mirkin, heiress to the Budget Rent a Car fortune. The business was founded by the victim's late father. Mirkin is also the widow of a man who identified himself as William de Rothschild, who died in a nearby house fire in 2024.

"That's an absolute shock. I'm stunned by that," neighbor Lee Bridges said. "Normally the only crime issue we have in this neighborhood is people breaking into mailboxes or cars so this is absolutely new and I'm upset about this."

Mirkin was described as extremely private.

"She's one of our normal neighbors. A senior having her retired life," Bridges said. "I hope she knows we are all going to be looking out for and that we wish her the best. We're going to be checking up on her, making sure she's ok."

Neighbors believe it was a targeted incident, pointing to her wealth and the multi-million property itself.

Police, however, have not confirmed whether or not it was a targeted attack.

"It's a dark street. It's at the top, dead-end street, not many people on it. So, of course, it's like the perfect street for a break-in," said Hollywood Hills resident Chris.

One neighbor told ABC7 he confronted the suspects as they were running out of the house, and says Mirkin told him she had been hurt.

Investigators say several suspects described as masked men dressed in black hoodies took off from the home in a white Honda Accord. Detectives believe a large amount of cash and jewelry was stolen.

The violent break-in is the latest in a string of recent burglaries and robberies across Southern California and the San Fernando Valley.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass last week ordered additional police patrols in parts of the valley amid heightened concerns among residents and business owners.

City News Service contributed to this report.