The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced on Saturday that they have identified a suspect in connection with the recent killings of three homeless men. The suspect, Jerrid Joseph Powell, 33, was already in custody after being arrested earlier in the week for the murder of a county employee.

During a news conference on Saturday, the authorities did not announce any specific charges against Powell, stating that a motive for the crimes had not yet been established. However, the LAPD revealed that they were able to link Powell to the three homeless killings through surveillance footage and forensic evidence.

Police Chief Michel Moore stated that the car seen in the surveillance footage from the Tuesday killing belonged to Powell. A handgun found in that car was also identified as the weapon used in the three homeless killings. These crucial pieces of evidence allowed the investigators to connect Powell to the string of murders.

Powell was apprehended early Thursday in Beverly Hills by the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) after they successfully matched his license plate to the vehicle used in the Tuesday killing. The arrest came after an extensive joint effort between the LAPD and the BHPD, who identified the car through their investigations.

The three tragic incidents occurred on separate days over the past week. The victims, all men, were shot and killed while sleeping in open areas such as alleys and sidewalks. The attacks took place in different locations within two large areas of Los Angeles that are not commonly frequented by homeless individuals.

District Attorney George Gascón announced that an emergency shelter would be made available for homeless people on Saturday night. In light of the recent murders, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged homeless individuals not to sleep alone and emphasized the city's commitment to opening emergency shelters to provide housing and support.

One of Powell's prior victims, Nicholas Simbolon, 42, was found dead in his garage on Tuesday night in San Dimas. It is believed that Powell followed Simbolon from an electric vehicle charging station to his home, robbing him before shooting him and fleeing the scene. Simbolon, a county employee for seven years, was described as a talented developer known for his innovative contributions to the county's IT systems.

The identification of Jerrid Joseph Powell as the suspect in the killings of both the homeless men and Nicholas Simbolon brings a sense of relief to the Los Angeles community. The investigation is still ongoing, and law enforcement is working diligently to establish a motive for these heinous acts. As the city comes together to support the vulnerable homeless population, authorities are determined to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.