Los Angeles Police Department
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A man suspected of killing four people in Los Angeles, including three homeless people, is in custody, police said Saturday.
Jerid Joseph Powell, 33, has been arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of four men who were shot in the head. The first three murders occurred within four days of Sunday, November 26th. A fourth homicide occurred Wednesday.
All three homeless men were shot to death while sleeping in different parts of the city. A fourth man was killed in a robbery in San Dimas.
Powell was already in custody in connection with the San Dimas murders when investigators linked him to three other murders.Los Angeles Police Department Commissioner Michelle Moore said at a press conference, “We are confident that we have the individuals responsible for these horrific crimes in custody.” Powell’s arrest has come as a relief to Los Angeles’ homeless community, which has suffered a recent wave of violence.
“This is an important step forward in our efforts to keep our communities safe,” Moore said.“We will continue to investigate these crimes and bring everyone involved to justice.”
The recent killings underscore the growing homelessness problem in Los Angeles, with an estimated 66,000 homeless individuals, the second-highest in the country. Police Chief Moore emphasized the tragic nature of the events and the pressing need to tackle homelessness urgently. While the city has been expanding shelters and services, addressing root causes like poverty and mental health issues remains crucial. The incidents have led to calls for heightened police presence in areas with high homeless populations, with a commitment from authorities to enhance community safety through increased patrols.
