Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a significant development, the Los Angeles Police Chief, Michelle Moore, announced on Saturday that one of the suspects in the recent series of homeless killings has been identified. Jerryd Joseph Powell, a 33-year-old man, was apprehended in connection with another shooting investigation when the firearm found in his possession was linked to the triple murder of homeless individuals.
Powell’s arrest took place earlier this week after he returned home following the shooting death and robbery of a 42-year-old man, prompting the Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies to take him into custody. The revelation regarding his potential involvement in the triple murder case came just a day after authorities had announced their search for a suspect in a late-November shooting that occurred while the victims were either asleep or preparing to retire for the night.
The first victim, Jose Bolanos, aged 37, was discovered dead with a gunshot wound in a South Los Angeles alley on November 26 at around 3 a.m. A day later, at 5 a.m., 62-year-old Mark Diggs was shot and killed while pushing a shopping cart. The third shooting occurred on November 29, around 2:30 a.m., in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood, where the lifeless body of a 52-year-old man was found. The police, however, refrained from releasing the victim’s identity until they could inform his relatives.
Detectives were able to track Powell’s car using surveillance cameras, eventually locating it in Beverly Hills. Upon stopping the vehicle, law enforcement discovered a firearm inside, further implicating Powell in the string of homeless killings. Chief Moore expressed her relief at the suspect’s capture, stating, “I’m grateful that the suspect in this case is in custody and that this is not a threat to the community.”
Powell is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, and his attorney could not be reached for immediate comment. Jail records indicate that he was arrested on Thursday and is currently being held on a $2 million bail.
This development brings hope to a community plagued by fear and uncertainty. The identification and capture of a suspect provide a sense of closure for the victims’ families, who have been living in constant apprehension. The Los Angeles Police Department’s dedication to solving these crimes serves as a testament to their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.