Jerrid Joseph Powell: Suspected 'LA serial killer' arrested for murder of sleeping homeless men
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A suspected serial killer accused of fatally shooting three homeless men as they slept on the streets of Los Angeles has been arrested, authorities announced Saturday, December 2.
The accused killer, 33-year-old Jerrid Joseph Powell, allegedly committed the murders in a violent four-day spree across the city. The spree came to an end Wednesday, November 29, when Powell was arrested for a fourth fatal shooting during a botched burglary, as per New York Post.
Arrest Update: Jerrid Joseph Powell, 33, is suspected of murdering three persons experiencing homelessness in the L.A. area. Detectives are seeking info on possible additional victims. Contact your local law enforcement agency with any information. pic.twitter.com/tLNfPwX7EA
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) December 3, 2023
Investigators connected Jerrid Joseph Powell to homeless murders after tracing his car
Investigators connected Powell to the homeless murders after tracing his car to all the crime scenes. The victims were shot in the early morning hours as they slept, in what officials described as unprovoked and indiscriminate attacks.
The first murder occurred around 3 am Sunday, November 26, when 37-year-old Jose Bolanos was shot as he slept. Powell allegedly struck again just 24 hours later, killing 62-year-old Mark Diggs behind a building. On Wednesday around 2.30 am, a third homeless man was slain, just hours before Powell's arrest.
Authorities did not release the name of the third victim but said all three men were essentially executed while completely vulnerable.
Jerrid Joseph Powell's capture came after a fatal attempted burglary in San Dimas
Powell's capture came after a fatal attempted burglary 12 miles away in San Dimas. He allegedly followed a 42-year-old father of two, Nicholas Simbolon, from an EV charging station to his home before shooting him during a robbery as he was leaving his car.
Using license plate readers, investigators tracked Powell's car to the scene of the homeless murders as well as the San Dimas shooting. He was arrested during a traffic stop in Beverly Hills on Wednesday and a handgun was found matching the one used in all four murders.
LA officials praised the technology for helping apprehend an accused killer they believe would have otherwise continued his spree unchecked. "Had they not had access to those tools, this individual I am convinced would still be moving about the city, in the regions, and killing individuals," said LAPD Chief Michael Moore.
Jerrid Joseph Powell remains jailed on $2.1 million bail as investigation continues
The indiscriminate nature of the attacks pushed LA city officials to urgently seek shelter for homeless citizens until the killer was found. The arrest brought relief but also new questions as authorities investigated whether Powell may be connected to other unsolved cases.
For now, the suspected serial killer faces charges for four murders within four days that terrorized the homeless population and left communities shaken. Authorities continue working to find a motive behind the vicious spree.
Powell remains jailed on $2.1 million bail as the investigation continues. Officials said bringing him into custody may have prevented additional innocent deaths.
