The Los Angeles Butcher: Police issues warning about 'serial killer' who has shot dead 3 homeless people

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles authorities are urgently warning the city's large homeless population to seek shelter and remain vigilant. They suspect a male serial killer has murdered three homeless men over a 4-day period this week, according to New York Post.

Los Angeles PD believe brutal killings are work of single male

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) believes the brutal killings are the work of a single male perpetrator who approaches each victim as they sleep alone on the street and fatally shoots them before fleeing the scene in a dark sedan.

With over 60,000 homeless individuals in Los Angeles County, authorities are deeply concerned the perpetrator will continue his killing spree which began early Sunday morning, on November 26.

“The commonalities amongst these homicides are that each of the victims were in an open area, whether it be a sidewalk or an alley. They were alone,” said LAPD Chief Michel Moore at a press conference. “We believe a single individual approached each one and shot and killed each one as they slept.”

The first known victim was a 37-year-old man shot around 3 am Sunday in an alleyway in Westmont.

The following night at roughly the same time, a 62-year-old homeless man was discovered dead behind a building after also being shot.

Then on Wednesday around 2:30am, a third victim - a 52-year-old man - was murdered in a similar fashion.

Los Angeles authorities establish task force to capture suspected serial killer

In response to the executions of three vulnerable homeless citizens over just 96 hours, the LAPD has established a round-the-clock task force to accelerate the investigation and capture of the suspected serial killer. A dedicated tip line has also been set up to encourage the public to report any information that may lead to an arrest.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles authorities are urgently working with local organizations to increase availability of emergency shelters and connect homeless individuals with essential services.

The city's large homeless population has been strongly advised to seek cover, remain in groups, and exercise extreme caution until the perpetrator is apprehended.

“Our message to the unhoused community is clear: do not sleep alone tonight. Seek shelter, seek services, stay together, seek support,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in a statement. “This is individuals, not encampments, that are being preyed on.”

The recent homicides have sent shockwaves through LA’s homeless community already facing immense challenges. Many are now further on edge knowing a killer is intentionally targeting vulnerable people with no permanent shelter.

Los Angeles is experiencing sharp and significant increase in homeless people dying

Alarming, violent attacks against those experiencing homelessness are not uncommon across major US cities. Just last year, Gerald Brevard III was charged with the brutal murders of homeless men in both Washington DC and New York City, seriously injuring two and killing a third victim.

With economic turmoil deepening housing insecurity for many Americans, some experts believe violence against the homeless may escalate further.

Even prior to the current killing spree attributed to a single male serial killer, LA was experiencing a sharp and significant increase in homeless people dying — up 70% between 2019 and 2021, as per LAist.