The city of Los Angeles is grappling with a chilling series of murders that left four people dead last week, allegedly at the hands of Jerrid Powell, a suspect who may have funded his criminal activities with a substantial settlement received from the local police.
Jerrid Powell, accused of the brutal killings of four men, including three homeless individuals, was arrested after a city-wide manhunt, as per Mail Online.
Powell's Police Settlement Funded LA Killing Spree
A San Mateo County Sheriff officer puts up police tape at a crime scene after a shooting at the Spanish Town shops in Half Moon Bay, California, on January 24, 2023. - A suspected gunman was in custody Monday over the killing of seven people in a rural community in northern California, just two days after a mass shooting at a Lunar New Year celebration near Los Angeles.
The murders occurred between November 26 and 29, casting a shadow of fear over the community. Notably, Powell was found lying in a ditch on a scenic beach at the time of his arrest.
The background to this case includes a lawsuit filed by Powell in 2020 against Santa Monica Harbor Services for negligence. Powell claimed that an officer responding to a fire on the beach had run over him while he was lying in a ditch. The city settled the lawsuit, awarding Powell a $700,000 settlement earlier this year.
Law enforcement sources describe Powell as a "vicious" offender, using part of his settlement to purchase a gun and a car, which were later implicated in the murders. The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office disclosed that Powell, with at least one prior felony conviction, was prohibited from legally owning or purchasing firearms.
The series of killings began with the shooting of 37-year-old Jose Bolanos and continued with the murders of 62-year-old Mark Diggs and an unidentified 52-year-old man, all homeless. The spree culminated in the home invasion and murder of Nicholas Simbolon, a county employee, in San Dimas.
Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore detailed how Powell targeted sleeping victims in secluded areas, executing them in cold blood. The arrest on November 30 came after police connected Powell's BMW to the crime scenes and recovered a handgun matching the weapon used in the homicides, according to Fox News.
Rising Crime in LA Challenges for Home Defenders
The case has raised concerns about public safety, especially for the homeless population. In response, the city mobilized over 400 officials and social service organizations to warn homeless individuals about the potential danger.
This string of murders is part of a disturbing trend in Los Angeles. In under a month, the city witnessed four home invasion shootings, including incidents where homeowners used firearms to defend their families. Notably, Vincent Ricci and another Los Angeles father faced legal challenges for defending their homes against intruders.
Jonathan Hatami, a deputy district attorney, criticized the current handling of home invasion cases, highlighting the plight of victims who face additional legal burdens. The recent events have prompted a broader discussion on crime and public safety in Los Angeles, with many questioning the effectiveness of current policies.
As Powell faces multiple charges, including murder and illegal firearm possession, authorities continue to investigate his potential involvement in other crimes. The case underscores the complex challenges facing law enforcement in dealing with violent crime and ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities in major urban centers, Law and Crime reported.
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