Los Angeles police have identified Jerrid Joseph Powell, a 33-year-old Black male, as the suspect responsible for the murders of three homeless individuals who were shot and killed in their sleep. Powell is also suspected in a fatal shooting during a robbery in San Dimas. He was arrested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and is currently in custody. Authorities do not believe there is a connection between Powell and the robbery victim. The motive for the killings is still unknown. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the dangerous conditions faced by the city’s homeless population, which already sees four to five deaths per day. A shooting at a homeless encampment in Las Vegas is believed to be unrelated to the Los Angeles killings. News Channel 3-12 reported
Los Angeles Police Identify Suspect in Homeless Murders Case
Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore announced on Saturday 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 involved in a fatal shooting during a robbery in San Dimas, located about 28 miles east of Los Angeles. Powell was already in custody for the San Dimas shooting at the time of his identification as the suspect in the homeless murders.
The arrest of Powell took place on Wednesday evening by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department during a vehicle stop, coinciding with the death of the third homeless victim. The vehicle used during the San Dimas robbery was found to be the same one connected to the three homicides. However, authorities have stated that there is no apparent connection between Powell and the victim of the robbery.
As of now, the motive behind the killings remains unknown. Chief Moore expressed his gratitude for Powell’s arrest, stating that the suspect is no longer a threat to the community. The first murder occurred on Sunday at around 3 a.m. in an alley, followed by the second on Monday just before 5 a.m., and the third on Wednesday around 2:30 a.m. The victims were two Hispanic men aged 37 and 52, and a 62-year-old Black man.
Chief Moore mentioned that all the killings shared similarities, with each victim being alone and asleep when attacked. The perpetrator approached them while they were sleeping, opened fire, and then left the scene. The victims were all homeless individuals, alone, and killed in open areas such as sidewalks or alleys. The incidents took place in different locations throughout the city, including near Skid Row, an area known for its large homeless population.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the dangerous conditions faced by the city’s homeless community, which already experiences four to five deaths per day due to various reasons, including violence. In response to the recent murders, the mayor’s office convened a meeting with over 400 individuals representing city departments, housing service providers, regional agencies, and elected officials, aiming to address the threat faced by the unhoused community.
In an unrelated incident, a shooting occurred at a homeless encampment in Las Vegas on Friday afternoon, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. However, it is not currently believed to be connected to the fatal shootings in the Los Angeles area.
This is an ongoing investigation, and more updates will follow.
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