Man Charged with Murder in String of Homeless Deaths
LOS ANGELES – A man has been charged with murder in connection with the deaths of three homeless men and another person in a residential robbery. The suspect, identified as Jerrid Joseph Powell, faces four counts of murder, one count of residential robbery, and one count of being a felon with a firearm.
Powell was apprehended after a fatal shooting in San Dimas, which led investigators to link him to the killings of the three homeless individuals in Los Angeles. Authorities have recovered a gun believed to be used in the robbery.
During his court appearance, Powell, clad in a yellow jail jumpsuit, had his arraignment postponed until January 8. As investigators dig deeper into the case, they are still searching for a motive in the killings.
The victims, two Hispanic men aged 37 and 52, and a 62-year-old Black man, were preyed upon while they slept on sidewalks or in alleys. The first killing occurred on November 26, followed by two more on November 27 and November 29.
Powell was taken into custody on November 30 after being found driving a vehicle associated with another killing in San Dimas, located approximately 28 miles east of Los Angeles. Authorities believe the same vehicle was used in the murders of the three homeless men.
The breakthrough in Powell’s capture was made possible through the use of automatic vehicle license plate scanners in Beverly Hills. Mayor Karen Bass’s office mobilized over 400 individuals to warn unhoused individuals about the killer’s threat.
The incident has highlighted ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness in California. Despite the state’s efforts, the homeless population continues to grow, prompting concerns among both officials and residents. The story is still developing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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