By Music industry veteran and KJazz show host Jerry Sharell was held hostage for several hours and injured with a machete Sunday by his girlfriend’s ex-husband, according to Los Angeles Police Officer Cleon Joseph.
Joseph said the incident took place while Sharell was at home with his girlfriend in Woodland Hills, Calif.
The LAPD identified the suspect as 57-year-old Benhamn Vasseghi, according to Joseph.
According to CBS News, Vasseghi arrived at the house on a motorcycle carrying a machete and a bouquet of flowers. The suspect held the couple hostage for hours until the woman was able to call the police around 11 a.m., Joseph said.
Sharell was transferred to a hospital but is now in stable in condition, Joseph said. The suspect, who also sustained injuries, was also taken to a hospital and absentee booked but will be charged with attempted murder, Joseph said.
KJazz Station Manager Stephanie Levine said the incident shocked everyone at the station.
“We were really upset to learn about this accident yesterday, and we’re wishing him a speedy recovery,” Levine said. “Out of respect for [Sharell] and for his privacy and that of his family, we’re just trying to give him some space, so that he can recover at this point.”
Sharell, who has worked in the music industry since the ‘70s, started his position at KJazz as a host, writer and producer in 2011, according to the KJazz website.
His show, “Sundays with Sinatra” airs every Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon and provides listeners with “the oldies, the hits, epics and obscurities hosted by the inimitable Jerry Sharell,” according to the show’s Facebook page.
