Man Charged with Four Counts of Murder in Los Angeles Homeless Shootings
LOS ANGELES – A California man has been charged with four counts of murder in the fatal shootings of three homeless men in Los Angeles last month. Jerrid Joseph Powell, 33, of Los Angeles, was also charged with one count of robbery and one count of being a felon with a firearm. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges on Monday. Powell appeared in court with his attorney, Deputy Public Defender Carlos Bido, but did not enter a plea. His arraignment was continued to Jan. 8.
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The motive for the killings of the homeless victims is not yet known. Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said during a news conference that the swift actions of law enforcement undoubtedly saved lives. If convicted, Powell faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The shootings occurred in different locations and took place over several days. The victims were identified as Jose Bolanos, 37, Mark Diggs, 62, and an unidentified 52-year-old man. The suspect was initially arrested for a deadly shooting during a robbery in the community of San Dimas. Authorities linked him to the homeless shootings when a firearm found in his car matched the ones used in the killings.
Los Angeles has the largest unsheltered homeless population in the country, with an estimated 75,500 unhoused residents. The homelessness crisis in California has created a dangerous situation where thousands of people’s physical safety is threatened every day. Eric Tars, senior policy director for the National Homelessness Law Center, partly blamed elected officials and policymakers for not creating more affordable housing.
Mayor Karen Bass coordinated with the county’s Homeless Services Authority to inform people in nearby areas about the string of attacks. The city is working on addressing the homelessness crisis and providing safe housing options for its residents.
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The case against Powell will proceed, and the public defender’s office will vigorously defend him. Powell remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
