On August 23, 2024, Dr. Hamid Mirshojae, a well-known physician in the Los Angeles area, was shot dead in a brutal daylight attack. As a respected “doctor to the stars,” Mirshojae’s death has sent shockwaves through the medical community and the public alike. The 61-year-old was ambushed and killed outside the Warner Plaza Urgent Care Center in Woodland Hills, California. His sudden death has raised questions about the motive, with some speculating it was a targeted attack.
The Attack: Caught on Camera
Surveillance footage captured the shocking moment when an unidentified gunman approached Dr. Mirshojae from behind as he walked to his Lexus parked outside his clinic. Without hesitation, the assailant opened fire, killing the doctor at point-blank range.1 Witnesses heard the gunshots and found Mirshojae’s lifeless body in the parking lot shortly after the attack. Despite the grainy footage, the authorities are still working to identify the suspect and determine a motive for the killing.2
A Life Dedicated to Healing
Dr. Hamid Mirshojae, known affectionately as “Dr. Hamid” to his patients, was a compassionate physician with over two decades of experience in urgent and emergency care. He specialized in treating drug and alcohol addiction and was known for helping a wide range of individuals, including celebrities, athletes, and those battling substance abuse. “He’s been full of love. He’s been full of care,” remarked a former patient, Khedhar Quintero. “He doesn’t care that you’re just another number in his lobby, he cares about your future as well”.
Mirshojae’s commitment to his patients was evident, as many sought support during difficult times. “He helped a lot of people with detox,” Quintero added. “Who knows what they could’ve been going through. He could’ve changed something in their life”.3 His dedication to the well-being of his patients made him a beloved figure in the community.
A Mysterious Baseball Bat Attack
The doctor’s murder wasn’t the first violent incident he had experienced. A few months prior, Mirshojae was ambushed by three men armed with baseball bats just outside his clinic. The attackers beat him severely, leaving the doctor fearing for his life. Mirshojae’s colleagues later revealed that he had expressed concerns about his safety following the attack. “They came and they beat him with baseball bats… They were some strangers that we didn’t know,” a staff member recalled. However, it remains unclear if the earlier assault is linked to his murder.
Speculations Surrounding the Motive
Despite extensive investigations, the motive behind Dr. Mirshojae’s killing is still unknown. Police have speculated that the murder might have been a targeted attack, possibly linked to his work in addiction medicine or personal disputes. Investigators are considering all possibilities, including potential connections between the earlier baseball bat ambush and the fatal shooting. However, no suspects have been identified, and authorities have appealed to the public for any information that might lead to an arrest.
Personal Life: Family and Tributes
Dr. Mirshojae’s death has left his family and friends devastated. At the time of his murder, his wife and six-month-old baby were in Turkey visiting family. The doctor also had three adult children from a previous marriage. His ex-wife, Ahang Zarin Kelk, took to social media to express her grief, sharing how much the family missed him: “Hamid, the kids, and I are in so much shock, we miss you so bad”.
Loved ones, patients, and colleagues have created a growing memorial outside the clinic, filled with red roses, candles, and signs reading “We miss you, doc“. The outpouring of love from the community serves as a testament to the positive impact Dr. Mirshojae had on those around him.
A Community in Mourning
As the investigation into Dr. Hamid Mirshojae’s murder continues, his family, friends, and patients are left grappling with the tragedy. The senseless killing of a man who dedicated his life to helping others has raised many questions, but for now, the community mourns the loss of a compassionate doctor and friend. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they seek justice for Dr. Mirshojae and his grieving loved ones.