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Hollywood Reels After Location Scout's Death

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, January 26th 2026 at 13:47 GMT by Newsweek
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - January 26th, 2026 - The entertainment industry is reeling today following the tragic death of Alex Pretti, a 27-year-old location scout, in a road rage incident that has ignited a fierce debate about safety within Hollywood and beyond. Pretti was fatally shot on Thursday in Los Angeles after a dispute over a parking space spiraled into a violent confrontation, prompting widespread grief and, crucially, serious consideration of a national industry strike.

The incident, and the broader concerns it represents, are sending tremors through the Los Angeles entertainment ecosystem. The suspect, identified as Kevin Joseph Murray, Jr., has been arrested and is currently being held on $2 million bail, facing charges including murder. While the legal proceedings will focus on the specifics of this terrible act, the aftermath has exposed deep-seated anxieties about rising crime and a perceived lack of adequate safety protocols for those working in the industry.

"Alex was a vibrant, talented young man, and his loss is felt deeply by everyone who knew him," stated a representative from Pretti's scouting firm. "This wasn't just a random act of violence; it's a symptom of a larger problem we've been seeing."

For years, concerns have been quietly voiced within Hollywood about escalating crime rates in Los Angeles, particularly in areas frequently used for filming. Location managers, crew members, and actors have reportedly experienced an increase in petty theft, harassment, and, increasingly, violent incidents. The demands of filming - often requiring long hours in unfamiliar locations, dealing with large equipment, and encountering numerous individuals - have created what many perceive as a vulnerable environment. Several anonymous sources within the industry have reported feeling increasingly unsafe, especially when working late at night or in less populated areas.

The situation reached a boiling point with Pretti's death. The incident has amplified the existing anxieties and galvanized the industry's major unions, including SAG-AFTRA and others, to consider unprecedented action. A national strike, effectively halting all film and television production across the country, is now being seriously discussed as a means to force the issue and demand concrete changes.

"This isn't about blaming the city or the studios solely," explained a source within SAG-AFTRA. "It's about a collective responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the creative process. We need increased police presence in key filming areas, better lighting and security measures on set, and a proactive approach to addressing the root causes of the rising crime rates. A strike is a last resort, but it's a powerful message that we're not going to tolerate this anymore."

The potential economic impact of a national Hollywood strike would be substantial, affecting not only the studios and production companies but also countless businesses that support the industry. However, the emotional toll of Pretti's death and the collective feeling of vulnerability appear to outweigh those concerns for many in Hollywood. The studios have so far released carefully worded statements expressing condolences and pledging to cooperate with investigations, but specific proposals for increased safety measures have yet to be publicly announced.

The situation remains fluid, with negotiations between the unions and the studios expected to intensify in the coming days. While a strike is not guaranteed, the mere possibility underscores the depth of the crisis and the industry's determination to prioritize safety above all else. The death of Alex Pretti has inadvertently sparked a movement that could fundamentally reshape the way Hollywood operates, forcing a reckoning on safety and security that may finally lead to lasting change.