Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Suspect Identified in Serial Killings Targeting Homeless People in Los Angeles
Dec. 4 (UPI) — Police in Los Angeles have identified a suspect in a series of killings targeting homeless individuals. Jerrid Joseph Powell, 33, was already in custody for the murder of Nicholas Simbolon, a county employee, during a robbery at his home in San Dimas. Detectives are now seeking information on possible additional victims.
According to LAPD Chief Michel Moore, Powell allegedly murdered three homeless men while they slept, without any provocation. These killings occurred over a four-day period starting last Sunday. Powell has been linked to a total of four murders so far.
Moore stated during a live-streamed news conference that Powell was behind the senseless killing of Nicholas Simbolon, who was a husband and father of two young children. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department identified the car Powell allegedly used in the killing of Simbolon, which led to his arrest by the Beverly Hills Police Department. The weapon used in the murder was also recovered.
Forensics teams have confirmed that the weapon recovered from Powell was used in all three homeless killings, and the car was present at each murder scene. Surveillance videos also show Powell’s physical appearance matching the suspect seen in the footage.
The motive behind these murders is still unknown, but Moore expressed gratitude that the suspect is now in custody and no longer a threat to the community. He also commended Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for her leadership in addressing the crime spree and providing resources for the homeless population.
Just 24 hours prior to Powell’s identification, authorities had announced the possibility of a serial killer targeting homeless individuals. A photo of the suspect and the vehicle believed to be involved was released to the public. The city of Los Angeles has an estimated homeless population of 46,260 people, with over 75,500 in all of Los Angeles County, according to the 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count.
In a separate incident, Las Vegas police are investigating a shooting that left one homeless individual dead and four injured. The victims were described as “unhoused” at the time of the incident.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to Powell’s crimes or potential additional victims to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as the case develops.