Los Angeles police are searching for a suspected serial killer who has shot and killed three homeless individuals in different areas of the city. Homeless people are being urged to seek shelter and not sleep alone. The LAPD believes the incidents are connected and are hunting for surveillance footage. WION Web Team reported
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has initiated a search for a serial killer who is believed to have shot and killed three homeless individuals in various parts of the city throughout the week. The spokesperson for the police announced this on Friday (Dec 1). In an effort to ensure the safety of the homeless population in the city, officials have urged them to avoid sleeping alone and seek shelter in secure locations.
Police Chief Michel Moore revealed that the shooter targeted the victims while they were asleep during the early hours of the morning. Mayor Karen Bass referred to the killer as someone who preys on the unhoused, emphasizing the vulnerability of the homeless community. These incidents have instilled fear within the city’s homeless community, which consists of approximately 46,000 individuals.
The first victim, Jose Vamos, a 37-year-old male, was tragically murdered on Sunday (Nov 26) at around 3 am. The second fatal attack occurred on Nov 27 at approximately 5 am in the morning and resulted in the death of Mark Digs, a 62-year-old male. The third attack took place on Nov 29 at around 2:30 am near the intersection of South Avenue 18 and Pasadena Avenue, claiming the life of a 52-year-old male.
To effectively address the situation, a task force has been established under the Robbery-Homicide division, bringing together investigators with various specialties. Police Chief Moore announced that Homicide investigators from different parts of the city were being summoned to assist in the investigation. Additionally, the forensic science division has been placed on standby to promptly analyze any gathered forensic evidence, aiding in the identification of the suspect responsible for these three homicides.
The LAPD investigators have stated that the forensic evidence collected thus far suggests a connection between all three incidents, indicating the likelihood of a single perpetrator. However, it remains unclear whether the suspect acted alone or had assistance from a gang. As part of their investigation, authorities are currently seeking surveillance footage from the crime scenes. The suspect has been described as a man seen in a dark-colored sedan.
This information has been compiled with inputs from various agencies..