Serial Killer Arrested in Connection with Murders of Homeless Men in Los Angeles

Four fatal shootings that occurred in the Los Angeles area this week, including the unprovoked killings of three homeless men, have been attributed to a single suspect, according to the police. The suspect, identified as Jerrid Joseph Powell, 33, was apprehended in connection with the murders of the three unhoused individuals who were shot while sleeping alone on the streets or in an alley in Los Angeles. Powell was already under arrest for another homicide related to a home robbery in Los Angeles County earlier this week.

The series of killings took place over a four-day period, from Sunday to Wednesday. Powell was taken into custody on Thursday for the robbery homicide. The authorities had announced on Friday that they were searching for a potential serial killer responsible for the shootings of the homeless men.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated at a press conference on Saturday that Powell’s vehicle was present at all three homicide scenes, and a handgun found in the vehicle was confirmed to be the murder weapon. The same vehicle and firearm were also linked to the home robbery shooting.

The victims of the shootings were a 37-year-old man killed on Sunday at around 3 a.m., a 62-year-old man attacked on Monday at approximately 4:55 a.m., and a 52-year-old man killed on Wednesday around 2:30 a.m. The motive behind the killings remains unknown, and the police chief stated that the men were murdered “without provocation.”

In the separate home-robbery shooting, Powell allegedly followed the victim from a charging station in West Covina to the victim’s residence in San Dimas. After taking the victim’s belongings, Powell senselessly shot him and fled the scene. The victim, 42-year-old Nicholas Simbolon, who worked as a project manager in the I.T. department of the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office, succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities are currently investigating whether Powell may be connected to other cases. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a crime committed by Powell is urged to contact the authorities immediately.