Porn actor charged with murder in attack on colleague; LA studio offers reward
By APFriday, June 4, 2010
Porn actor charged with murder; reward offered
LOS ANGELES — A porn actor suspected of killing a colleague and wounding two other people during an attack with a sword was charged Friday with murder and attempted murder.
Prosecutors said 34-year-old Stephen Clancy Hill was facing one count of murder and five counts of attempted murder in connection with the attack Tuesday with the movie prop at the Ultima DVD production center.
The charges were filed after Eric Jover, the runs Ultima DVD, offered a $2,000 reward on the company’s website for information leading to the arrest of Hill.
Jover said he was present during the attack but declined to disclose details because he did not want to compromise the investigation.
The website also contains a tribute to Herbert Hin Wong, 30, who police said was killed when he tried to save another victim after the violence erupted at a small social gathering at the studio.
Wong worked for Ultima for three years as an actor, cinematographer, film editor and webmaster, and was his best friend, Jover said.
He said Wong saved his life and the lives of others.
“His sacrifice will not go unheard,” Jover said. “He will be remembered in the industry as an actor and technical ‘go-to’ guy who was a valuable resource and friend to all.”
Hill, whose professional name is Steve Driver, fled in an SUV. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Hill went on the rampage after being told he was being fired and would have to move out of the production facility where he had been living, authorities said.
The small company is located in the San Fernando Valley, known in the adult film industry as Porn Valley for its large number of porn businesses.
Ultima produces niche films featuring fetishes and sexual domination of men.
Hill was convicted of second-degree assault and a handgun charge in March 1999 in Maryland, according to court records. A state’s attorney spokesman did not return a call seeking further details.
