Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore announced on Saturday that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the killings of three homeless men in Los Angeles. The suspect has been identified as Jerrid Joseph Powell, a 33-year-old resident of Los Angeles. Powell was already in custody after being arrested earlier in the week for the killing of Nicholas Simbolon in San Dimas, California. The three homeless victims were all men who were shot and killed in alleys or open areas. Two of the victims have been identified as Jose Bolanos, 37, and Mark Diggs, 62, both of whom suffered gunshot wounds to the head. The third victim has not yet been identified as his next of kin has not been notified.

Authorities have not yet established a motive for the killings. However, they have identified a vehicle believed to have been used in all four homicides, which has been linked to Powell. Additionally, a handgun found in the car matches the weapon used in the killings of the three homeless men. Chief Moore expressed gratitude that the suspect is now in custody and is no longer a threat to the community.

The arrest of Powell comes just one day after the police asked the public for help in identifying a man in a dark-colored sedan seen in surveillance footage. The announcement of the murders of the three homeless men had raised concerns about the safety of the city's homeless community, which already faces dangerous conditions on a daily basis. Los Angeles is home to one of the largest unhoused populations in the United States, with four to five unhoused people dying every day.

Powell was arrested on Thursday in Beverly Hills on charges of murder and robbery. The arrest was made after detectives and the Beverly Hills Police Department identified the vehicle used in the Tuesday killing of Nicholas Simbolon. Powell's car, seen in surveillance footage, matched the car driven by the suspect responsible for the killings of the three homeless men. The Beverly Hills Police Department was able to arrest Powell at a traffic stop by matching his license plate to that of the car used in the Tuesday killing.

Authorities did not announce any charges for Powell during the news conference on Saturday, and it is unclear whether he has legal representation or when an arraignment will occur. Los Angeles District Attorney George Gasc??n stated that there will be an emergency shelter available for homeless people in response to the recent killings. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also emphasized the importance of homeless individuals seeking shelter and services and not sleeping alone.

The arrest of the suspect brings some relief to the community, as they can now feel safer knowing that the person responsible for the killings of the three homeless men is behind bars. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and authorities will continue to gather evidence and determine the motive behind the killings. The arrest of Powell serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by the homeless community and the need for increased support and resources to address their vulnerability.