Jerrid Joseph Powell: Suspected 'Los Angeles serial killer' arrested for murder of three sleeping homeless men in four-day killing spree

Jerried Joseph Powell was linked to the murders after his car was found on each of the crime scenes
PUBLISHED DEC 3, 2023
Jerrid Joseph Powell remains jailed on $2.1 million bail as the investigation continues (Los Angeles Police Department)
Jerrid Joseph Powell remains jailed on $2.1 million bail as the investigation continues (Los Angeles Police Department)

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.



 

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.

(Los Angeles Police Department)
Jerrid Joseph Powell's capture came after a fatal attempted burglary in San Dimas (Los Angeles Police Department)

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.

(Los Angeles Police Department)
Investigators connected Jerrid Joseph Powell to homeless murders after tracing his car (Los Angeles Police Department)

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.

MORE STORIES

Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby said that the conditions during Tyler Robinson's arrest were relaxed and comfortable
Sep 18, 2025
DeCarlos Brown Jr, who is accused of fatally stabbing Iryna Zarutska, confessed the reason for the attack in a phone call from jail to his sister
Sep 11, 2025
The former Centerville Mayor is facing three class A felony murder charges, each carrying a minimum sentence of death or life imprisonment
Jun 1, 2024
In a recent interview, Oregon murder suspect Jesse Lee Calhoun's ex-girlfriend, Krista Sinor, recalled his fits of rage
May 19, 2024
Michael Francis described John-Paul Miller as someone who tried to buy love and expected something in return for his favors
May 19, 2024
Ryan Babcock has been indicted on charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, three counts of reckless endangerment, and vandalism
May 19, 2024
A student at Kennesaw State University in Georgia was fatally shot by an armed intruder on May 18
May 19, 2024
Jaylin Brazier admitted he panicked and disposed of Zion Foster's body in a dumpster after she died suddenly while they were smoking marijuana
May 19, 2024
Devin Montgomery drew a firearm and discharged it several times at officers who were trying to engage him on May 16 at an apartment complex
May 19, 2024