Despite the man’s broken nose, jaw and ribs, the burglar who was brutally beaten by actor/rapper LL Cool J yesterday pleases not guilty to a burglary charge in Los Angeles.
The man’s name is Jonathan A. Kirby, 56, and because he has two prior convictions in California, he would have a “third strike” if convicted of the LL Cool J break-in and would face 38 years to life behind bars.
The man, who police believe is homeless, will face a hearing on September 10 in Los Angeles to decide if enough evidence exists for him to stand trial.
Kirby was arrested on August 22 after police were called to the home of LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith.
After what police called a “knock down, drag out” fight, the burglar wound up with a broken nose and jaw, a trip to the hospital, a sure appointment at the local jail—and a cautionary tale about choosing his victims a little better next time.
LL, star of the hit show “NCIS: Los Angeles,” was upstairs in his home when he heard noise coming from the kitchen area, according to police. When he went downstairs to investigate, the unidentified suspect—described as a local transient—came at him. What followed probably looked like a scene from LL’s television show, in which he plays a tough guy cop. Except this was not acting, as the burglar soon discovered.
LL eventually called the police. When they arrived on the scene on the 12000 block of Blairwood Drive in Studio City at around 1 a.m., LL Cool J was holding the suspect.
Kirby was taken to a local hospital to treat a broken nose, jaw and ribs, police said.
