LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is pursuing a potential serial killer after three homeless men were murdered within a week. All of the victims were sleeping on city streets and alleys during the series of attacks.
The incidents happened when the victims were alone. A 37-year-old man was the first to be targeted around 3 a.m. on Sunday. A second incident occurred at approximately 4:55 a.m. on Monday, involving a 62-year-old victim. The third victim, a 52-year-old man, was murdered around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The details of the serial killings were released at a press conference held by the LAPD on Friday.
The sole suspect, whose identity is currently unknown, was seen at all three crime scenes in a car, according to police. The assailant reportedly approached each victim on foot, shot them, and then escaped in a car. The LAPD has released images of the suspect and appealed to the public for help in identifying the person.
In response to these brutal attacks, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is urging residents of Los Angeles to reach out to any homeless relatives they may have. At the news conference, Bass implored individuals to warn their homeless loved ones about the danger and urged them not to sleep alone out on the streets.
Highlighting the inherent dangers of street-living, Bass emphasized the urgency of the homeless population seeking shelter and services, and grouping together for safety. Describing this as an assailant who preys on the homeless, the mayor declared that Angelinos needed to unite and assist the city and region in tracking down the suspect. Bass pledged accountability for the murders, vowing to find and apprehend the heartless killer.