Murders Involving Persons Experiencing Homelessness NR23770am/dm

December 4, 2023 NR23770ti

UPDATE

Correct name of the third victim is 52-year-old, Shawn Alvarez.

December 3, 2023 NR23770ti

UPDATE

The third victim has been identified as 52-year-old, John Alvarez.

December 2, 2023   NR23770lr

UPDATED

On November 30, 2023, in the early morning hours, the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) conducted a traffic stop on a 2024 Gray BMW 440i 4-door with a California plate “9JOE329, that was wanted in connection to a robbery-murder that occurred in the City of San Dimas. During the traffic stop officers detained and arrested 33-year-old Jerrid Joseph Powell. Powell was the wanted suspect in that case. During the search of the vehicle, a firearm was recovered. The BHPD detectives believe the recovered gun in the Powell’s vehicle was likely used in the robbery-murder.

The Los Angeles Police Department – Roberry Homicide Division detectives believe Powell is the suspect wanted in the three murders that occurred in the City of Los Angeles. Ballistic examination determined that the firearm was connected to all murders. Powell will remain in custody pending the filing of criminal charges.

“I am grateful for the collective work of the Los Angeles Sheriff Department and Beverly Hills Police Department that has resulted in the identification and arrest of the individual we believe is responsible for these vicious crimes. I am proud of the extraordinary work of our detectives and forensic services personnel for their efforts and collaborative work to identify and apprehend the person responsible to prevent further loss of life. We thank the District Attorney for the services he is dedicating to the prosecution in this case.” – Chief Michel Moore

“I want to thank our law enforcement officials for working together on this important case. I also want to thank those service providers and local leaders who mobilized to help get the word out to our unhoused neighbors. When challenges face our city, we will always step up. Los Angeles will not be stopped.” – Mayor Karen Bass

“Thank you to the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for their extraordinary work on these cases. The swift actions of law enforcement undoubtedly saved lives this week. The residents of Los Angeles County can breathe a sigh of relief today. Once a case is presented our team will ensure that justice is served.” – District Attorney George Gascón

“The amazing coordination and communication between our partner agencies, along with technology, helped take this dangerous individual off our streets to protect our community. Sheriff’s Homicide investigators will continue to work with our justice partners to ensure we hold this individual accountable for these heinous murders.” – Sheriff Robert G. Luna

Los Angeles:  Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that will lead to the arrest of the suspect responsible for the murders of persons experiencing homelessness in LAPD’s Central and South Bureau.

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating three separate murders that occurred between November 26, 2023, and November 29, 2023. In each case, the victims were experiencing homelessness. While some similarities have been identified, detectives are working to determine if these murders are related.  A community alert bulletin has been issued to make our unhoused population and our community stakeholders aware of the recent murders.

Possible Suspect Vehicle

Suspect

The suspect in these homicides is described only as male. The suspect was seen in a dark-colored sedan. It is unknown if he was alone or there were any additional suspects.

“As we always do in the face of a challenge or crisis, our region is mobilizing to respond to this issue. We will work tirelessly to find the individual responsible, arrest them, and hold them accountable. I have met with our partners at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Housing Department and we are moving immediately to get the word out to our unhoused neighbors in housing networks. Our message to our unhoused community is clear – try not to be alone tonight. We will do all we can to make shelter and services available. To the many Angelenos who have friends or family who are unhoused, please let them know the danger that exists. We must stay safe. We will work diligently to bring those responsible to justice.” – Mayor Karen Bass

“The Los Angeles Police Department is employing all available resources  to bring justice to these murder victims.  I am thankful for our City partners who are working with us closely to ensure the safety of this vulnerable population as we pursue the criminal investigation.”

– Chief Michel Moore

“I commend the LAPD for creating a dedicated task force to uncover the identity of a potential serial killer preying on the most vulnerable in our community. I’ve assigned our Major Crimes Division, Bureau of Victim Services and our Bureau of Investigation to assist with these efforts. Today, we demonstrate our collective resolve and stand united in our pursuit of justice, unwavering against the darkness that preys on the most defenseless among us.”

-District Attorney George Gascón

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division, Homicide Special Section, at (213) 486-6890. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.  Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.