Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities in Los Angeles have identified a suspect in the recent killings of three homeless men, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore. The suspect, Jerrid Joseph Powell, 33, was already in custody for his alleged involvement in another shooting investigation when he was linked to the three killings.
Police discovered a firearm in a vehicle Powell was driving at the time of his arrest, which was connected to the shootings. Powell was apprehended earlier this week by Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies in relation to the shooting death and robbery of a 42-year-old man in San Dimas, a community located approximately 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The announcement follows a plea from Los Angeles authorities urging homeless individuals to avoid sleeping alone for their own safety. The shootings occurred in late November, during the early morning hours while the victims were either sleeping or preparing to turn in for the night.
The first victim, Jose Bolanos, 37, was found dead with a gunshot wound in an alley in South Los Angeles on November 26. The following day, Mark Diggs, 62, was shot and killed near downtown while pushing a shopping cart. The third homeless shooting took place on November 29 in the Lincoln Heights area, where the body of a 52-year-old man was discovered. The identity of the third victim has not been released pending family notification.
Los Angeles County is home to the largest homeless population in the United States, with over 75,000 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given night, according to a 2022 federal tally. The arrest of Jerrid Joseph Powell brings some relief to the community, as Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore expressed gratitude that Powell is now in custody and no longer a threat.
Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any additional information related to the case. Moore emphasized that there is currently no known connection between Powell and the victims. He also highlighted the importance of surveillance technology, which played a crucial role in quickly identifying the suspect.
In a separate incident, five homeless people were shot in Las Vegas on Friday, with one fatality. Police in Las Vegas are actively searching for a lone suspect in connection with the shootings.