Pedestrian Spotted Suspect Wanted for Brianna Kupfer’s Murder Sitting on a Park Bench – Crime Online

A pedestrian alerted police to a wished man accused of killing an UCLA graduate scholar final week.

Citing a legislation enforcement supply, Fox Information stories {that a} witness noticed Shawn Laval Smith sitting on a park bench in Pasadena on Wednesday and alerted authorities. The pedestrian presumably acknowledged Smith from images and movies the Los Angeles Police Division shared of the suspect within the days following Brianna Kupfer’s homicide.

Kupfer, 24, was working at Croft Home, an upscale furnishings retailer within the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles on January 13. The UCLA grad scholar was alone within the retailer when Smith got here in, and allegedly stabbed her to demise. Kupfer reportedly texted a pal that somebody within the retailer was giving her a “unhealthy vibe,” however the pal didn’t instantly see the textual content message.

A buyer reportedly discovered Kupfer’s physique, mendacity in a pool of blood.

Police quickly distributed a suspect description and surveillance photos taken that day. On Tuesday night time, the LAPD recognized the suspect and shared clearer images of Smith, with an advisory to the general public which may be discovered at bus stops or practice stations and to be on alert. Police mentioned that Smith was anticipated to be armed and harmful.

Investigators additionally imagine that Kupfer’s killing was random.

Based on Fox Information, when law enforcement officials approached Smith, he initially gave them a false title. The LAPD then despatched a fugitive unit with a tool to take the suspect’s fingerprints, which confirmed his identification. Smith reportedly has an extended legal historical past.

Earlier this week, police introduced a $250,000 reward for data resulting in the suspect’s arrest; $200,000 of the reward was from neighborhood donations. The witness who noticed Smith would seem to qualify for the reward cash.

The suspect stays in custody of the LAPD.