Los Angeles police have identified Jerrid Joseph Powell, a 33-year-old black male, as the suspect in the recent murders of three homeless individuals. Powell was already in custody for another shooting in San Dimas. The motive for the killings is still unknown. KSLTV.com reported
Los Angeles Police Identify Suspect in Murders of Homeless Individuals
In a recent announcement, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore revealed that the suspect responsible for the murders of three homeless individuals in the city has been identified. The suspect, Jerrid Joseph Powell, a 33-year-old Black male and resident of Los Angeles, is also believed to be connected to a fatal shooting during a robbery in San Dimas, located about 28 miles east of Los Angeles. Powell was taken into custody by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department during a vehicle stop. The vehicle used in the San Dimas robbery was found to be the same vehicle connected to the three homicides.
No Apparent Motive
Authorities have not yet determined a motive for Powell’s actions. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna stated that there is no evidence of a connection between Powell and the victim of the robbery. Chief Moore expressed gratitude that Powell is now in custody and no longer poses a threat to the community.
The first killing occurred in an alley at around 3 a.m. on Sunday, followed by the second murder on Monday shortly before 5 a.m., and the third on Wednesday around 2:30 a.m. The victims, identified as two Hispanic men aged 37 and 52, and a 62-year-old Black man, were all found alone and asleep at the time of the attacks.
Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the already dangerous conditions faced by the homeless community in Los Angeles, which has one of the largest unhoused populations in the country. She emphasized the need to address the threats faced by the unhoused and called for action to protect this vulnerable group.
Meanwhile, a shooting at a homeless encampment in Las Vegas on Friday afternoon does not appear to be related to the fatal shootings in the Los Angeles area, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
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