A small construction crew composed of deaf workers is facing a significant financial setback after thieves orchestrated a brazen daytime robbery at a residence in Granada Hills. The incident, which occurred on October 22, has prompted a local homeowner to launch a community-led effort to help the contractors replace their livelihood.
Jan Menapace, a resident of Granada Hills, had hired Neverless Construction to address urgent repairs in her home. The three-man crew was working inside the house, patching a kitchen leak and repairing water damage caused by recent Southern California storms, when the theft took place. Security footage from the property shows a silver, four-door BMW sedan pulling into Menapace’s driveway. A heavyset man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, white socks, and black sandals exited the passenger side of the vehicle and walked directly into the open garage.
Within less than a minute, the suspect can be seen grabbing a crate filled with power tools and a leaf blower. He quickly returned to the idling BMW, which then reversed out of the driveway and fled the scene. A red clothing logo sticker, appearing to be from the brand “Supreme,” was visible on the car’s fuel door—a detail the homeowner hopes will help in identifying the vehicle.
The loss is estimated at several thousand dollars. Among the stolen items were a nail gun, a blower, and at least eight power tool batteries. Menapace expressed heartbreak for the crew, noting that the theft occurred while they were working under difficult conditions, including a heavy downpour that had exhausted the team earlier in the day.
Michael Litberg, the owner of Neverless Construction, is also deaf. He realized the tools were missing when one of his crew members went to the garage to retrieve a specific piece of equipment. Menapace recalled seeing the men communicating through sign language and looking around the property in confusion before Litberg informed her of the disappearance. After reviewing her Ring camera footage, the reality of the theft became clear.
The incident is a particularly painful blow for Litberg, who founded Neverless Construction only recently. In April, Litberg was laid off from a sales position at a roofing company. Menapace, who happened to be with him when he received that phone call, praised his resilience. Rather than succumbing to the setback, Litberg launched his own business and returned to help Menapace with her ongoing roofing issues.
Despite the loss of their equipment, the crew refused to let the incident halt their progress. On the day of the theft, Litberg began calling friends to borrow tools so the team could finish the day’s work. They reportedly stayed on-site until 7:30 p.m. to ensure the repairs were completed. Menapace noted that Litberg’s calm demeanor helped keep the group focused amid the distress of the crime.
In response to the theft, Menapace has spearheaded a GoFundMe campaign to assist the crew. With a goal of $5,000, the fundraiser has already garnered nearly $4,000 in support. Litberg and crew member Bert Horvath both expressed that the outpouring of public generosity has significantly lifted their spirits after the initial shock of the robbery.
Menapace decided not to report the theft to the police immediately, questioning if law enforcement would be able to take action at that moment, but she has since shared the video evidence publicly in the hope that it leads to an arrest. The footage also captured a poignant moment following the theft: Menapace ordered pizza for the crew, and the workers were seen sharing a group hug in the driveway. Litberg told his team through sign language that they would stay positive and move forward, telling them, “This too shall pass.”
