Granada Hills Homeowner Launches Fund for Deaf Crew After Tool Theft

Three deaf construction workers lost their primary equipment on Thursday, October 22, after a thief entered a Granada Hills residence while the crew performed interior repairs. The theft left the small firm without a nail gun, a blower, and eight batteries, forcing them to pause work on a kitchen leak. Homeowner Jan Menapace has since started a GoFundMe campaign to raise $5,000 to replace the stolen items.

Ring camera footage shows the incident unfolding in the driveway. A silver, four-door BMW sedan, marked by a red Supreme logo on the fuel door, pulled into the property. A heavyset man wearing gray sweatpants, white socks, and black sandals exited the passenger side. He moved quickly to the garage, retrieved a crate of power tools and a leaf blower, and reversed the vehicle out of the driveway. The entire event lasted less than a minute.

Menapace said the workers were inside the home making repairs when the car arrived. One worker went to the garage to collect a specific tool and found the crate missing. The crew communicated the loss to Menapace using sign language. She reviewed the security footage and confirmed the theft. The crew had been working in heavy rain from a recent storm, adding to the difficulty of the day.

Michael Litberg, owner of Neverless Construction, said the group felt disheartened by the loss. He noted that the public response has helped restore their morale. The fundraising campaign has collected nearly $4,000 so far. Litberg told Menapace that the support made him emotional and encouraged him to continue.

Bert Horvath, a member of the crew, said he felt low initially but was motivated by the generosity of strangers. Menapace observed the crew in the driveway after the theft. Litberg spoke to the men in sign language, telling them the day was bad but they should stay positive. He urged them to stay safe and healthy, stating that difficult times pass.

Menapace ordered a pizza for the workers, who gathered in the driveway to eat. The group hugged one another in a moment of solidarity captured by the same security camera. Litberg told his team, "We will come out on top." The crew did not report the theft to police immediately, as Menapace was unsure if authorities could act quickly. She shared the video with media outlets hoping someone would recognize the vehicle and alert the Los Angeles Police Department.

Litberg launched his company after being let go from a sales job at a roofing company in April. He approached Menapace to help resolve roof leaks in her home. After the theft, he called friends to borrow tools so the crew could finish the work. They labored until 7:30 p.m. that day. The crew continues to work on the repairs despite the setback.