LAPD searches for possible serial killer after murders of 3 homeless people in one week

Los Angeles police and city prosecutors on Friday asked for the public’s help to identify the killer who killed three homeless men last week.

The murders occurred in the early morning hours of Nov. 26, 27 and 29 in central and south Los Angeles, and LAPD Chief Michael Moore said that while the motive is unknown, the similarities between the attacks and victims are clear.

“We know the target is three people who were sleeping alone, homeless, unsheltered, who we believe, based on the evidence we have, were targeted,” Moore said of the attacks at a news conference.

At Friday’s press conference, The police shared an image of a security video that may show the suspect of being the murderer and a car used by himalthough detectives did not specify which scene the images were obtained from.

A detailed description of the person wanted in the murders was not available. The car was described only as a dark-colored sedan.

Moore stopped short of calling the attacker a serial killer.

“We have no evidence of disputes, altercations, any type of articulation that in any way says this was a spontaneous event,” Moore said, adding that there was no evidence that the shootings were related to other crimes, such as robberies.

All of the shootings occurred in open areas and Police believe the victims were shot to death while they slept during the early morning hours.

The first murder occurred on Sunday, November 26 around 3 a.m. in the southeast area of ​​Los Angeles., in an alley at the rear of 836 West 110th Street. The victim was identified as José Vamos, a 37-year-old man.

The second occurred in the Central Division on Monday, November 27 around 4:55 a.m. in the 800 block of East Seventh Street along a back wall. The victim was identified as Mark Digs, a 62-year-old man.

The third occurred in the Hollenbeck division on Wednesday, November 29 at around 2:30 am, near the intersection of South Avenue 18 and Pasadena Avenue. The victim was identified as a 52-year-old man.

A task force has been created under the Robbery and Homicide division that includes investigators from multiple specialties.

“We will bring in Homicide investigators from all over the city,” Moore said. “We are bringing in additional investigators from specialized positions and have prepared our forensic science division so that any forensic evidence that is collected will also be quickly processed and analyzed in an effort to identify the person we believe responsible for these three homicides.”

Mayor Karen Bass urged people living on the streets to seek shelter immediately.

“Our message to the homeless community is clear: do not sleep alone tonight. Seek shelter, seek services, stay together, seek support and we need your help to spread the word,” Bass said.

Two photos of the suspect and the car believed to be involved were released.

Los Angeles police have asked anyone with any information in any of these cases to contact the tip line at (213) 486-6890.

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