State Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s Father Shot During Home Invasion

The Father of California State Assemblyman Mike Gatto, Joseph Gatto was found dead at his residence in Silver Lake Wednesday night. A member of the Gatto family arrived at their home to find 78 year old Joseph’s body over a desk. Firefighters arrived just past 8 pm to conduct a death investigation, the investigation determined that Joseph had been shot at least once in the abdomen. Joseph Gatto was pronounced dead at the scene.The case is currently being treated as a home invasion Murder. Immediately after the discovery of Joseph’s body, police officers began canvassing the neighborhood and even stopped trash pick up the next day in order to continue their search for evidence.The victim’s son, Mike Gatto currently represents the 43^rd District, this includes Atwater Village, Burbank, Glendale, Hollywood, Los Feliz and Silver Lake. Gatto’s communications director, Justin Hager commented on Gatto’s reaction to his father’s death, saying he was “completely devastated.”Before retiring Joseph Gatto worked as an art teacher at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts where he founded the Visual Arts department. Throughout his career, Joseph was honored at the White House with the National Distinguished Teacher Award three times. After retiring he worked as a jewelry maker.Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles released the following statement showing his support for the Gatto family: “My thoughts and prayers are with the Gatto family. This tragedy is devastating to them and is of concern to the entire community. I’ve spoken with Chief Beck and the LAPD is conducting an aggressive investigation.”