According to the Los Angeles Times, John Winkler went to a neighbor's apartment Monday night to try to help three people who were being held captive at knife point. Responding police shot Winkler when he ran from the apartment after helping one of the victims. He died at a hospital in California.
"We only had the privilege of working with him for a short while and extend heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends during this tragic time,” the statement said.
Winkler had just moved to L.A. six months ago to pursue a career as a producer. John Winkler grew up in the state of Washington and served as a temporary production assistant for the Daniel Tosh-hosted series.
From the Sheriff Department's statement:
As deputies continued attempts to contact the people in the apartment, the apartment door suddenly opened and a male victim came rushing out. He was covered in blood and bleeding profusely from the neck. Simultaneously, Victim Winkler ran out of the door, lunging at the back of the fleeing victim. Both ran directly at the deputies.
Winkler was similar to the description of the suspect and was wearing a black shirt. Believing Winkler was the assailant and the assault was ongoing and he would attack the entry team; three deputies fired their duty weapons at him.
Winkler was shot once and died later that night at a local hospital.
“Comedy Central and ‘Tosh.0’ extend their condolences to the family of John Winkler," a statement released Friday by Comedy Central read.
"We only had the privilege of working with him for a short while and extend heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends during this tragic time,” the statement said.
The suspect was eventually arrested and charged with one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of torture. 27-year-old Alexander McDonald, is now in police custody and will be there for a long time.