02 December 2023 , 04:27
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Five homeless people were shot in Las Vegas - just hours after cops revealed they are hunting for a serial killer who murdered another three in Los Angeles.
A lone gunman opened fire on a group of homeless people at 5.30pm near a highway overpass in the northern part of Vegas. Police initially stated that two were killed in the shooting however one death has been confirmed and a second is critically injured.
One victim was pronounced dead at the scene due. Three other males are listed in stable condition while another male is listed as critical.
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The Vegas bloodbath came on the same day LA officials revealed they are hunting for a serial killer who shot three homeless people dead in their sleep in alleyways during separate attacks on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.
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The Californian killings led to an unprecedented warning from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who told the city's homeless population: "Our message to the unhoused community is clear - do not sleep alone tonight."
Police in Vegas say the killings were an "isolated incident" - the crime had chilling similarities to the LA shootings earlier in the weekThen just hours later, Vegas cops were called to a shooting that bore similar hallmarks - although it is not officially confirmed that the incidents are all linked. LVPD Lt. Mark Lourenco said: "We believe this is an isolated event," when asked if it was an active shooter situation. The investigation is currently ongoing, with no suspect in custody.
The identities and ages of the Vegas victims have not been released yet. The LA victims were described as two Hispanic males and one Black male. Detectives released a CCTV image of a hooded suspect and a dark-coloured vehicle believed to be linked to the killings
Mayor Bass said: "Our message to our unhoused community is clear – try not to be alone tonight. We will do all we can to make shelter and services available.
LAPD released this image of a suspect in the Californian case, which saw three sleeping homeless people shot dead in separate attacks (LAPD)"To the many Angelenos who have friends or family who are unhoused, please let them know the danger that exists. We must stay safe. We will work diligently to bring those responsible to justice.
"As we always do in the face of a challenge or crisis, our region is mobilizing to respond to this issue. We will work tirelessly to find the individual responsible, arrest them, and hold them accountable. I have met with our partners at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Housing Department and we are moving immediately to get the word out to our unhoused neighbors in housing networks."
The LA gunman is believed to have traveled from his crime scenes in a dark-coloured car (LAPD)LAPD Chief Michel Moore said: “I commend the LAPD for creating a dedicated task force to uncover the identity of a potential serial killer preying on the most vulnerable in our community.
"I’ve assigned our Major Crimes Division, Bureau of Victim Services and our Bureau of Investigation to assist with these efforts. Today, we demonstrate our collective resolve and stand united in our pursuit of justice, unwavering against the darkness that preys on the most defenseless among us.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division, Homicide Special Section, at (213) 486-6890. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).