LOS ANGELES, CA – The arraignment for Jerrid Joseph Powell, 33, of Los Angeles, was delayed Monday in connection with the shooting deaths of three homeless men and a L.A. County employee in San Dimas. These incidents occurred within a four-day period in late November, leading to Powell facing multiple murder charges.
According to authorities, Powell remains jailed without bail and has been charged with four counts of murder, residential robbery, and carrying a concealed firearm. These charges include special circumstance allegations, and Powell could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted as charged. His arraignment was rescheduled for Thursday after he refused to come out of his cell for the hearing.
Following Powell’s November 30 arrest in connection with the killing of county employee Nicholas Simbolon, authorities linked him to the fatal shootings of three homeless men. The LAPD chief revealed that a handgun recovered from Powell’s vehicle was used in the three homeless killings, and investigators believe there is no known connection among the four killings.
Powell was arrested after a traffic stop conducted by Beverly Hills police which led to his arrest. The arrest prompted the Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, to commend the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies in catching the suspect. City officials expressed concern for the safety of the city’s substantial homeless population, urging unhoused people to avoid sleeping alone outdoors.
The charges brought against Powell were celebrated by Los Angeles and county officials, as swift action by law enforcement authorities is believed to have potentially saved lives. The arraignment delay comes as the investigations continue, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information about Powell to come forward.
Overall, Powell’s arraignment delay and the connection established between the multiple shootings and the suspect have raised safety concerns for the homeless population in Los Angeles. The timeline of events and details of the case continue to unfold as law enforcement officials work to ensure the safety of the city’s residents.