The Los Angeles Police Department has identified a suspect in last week’s fatal stabbing in a furniture store.
Shawn Laval Smith, 31, is suspected of murdering Brianna Kupfer, 24, last Thursday at a furniture store where she worked. There is a $250,000 award for information that could lead to his arrest from both private and city money, LA City Councilman Paul Koretz said during a press conference Tuesday.
“I don’t think anybody’s to blame other than the assailant, the awful person that did this to my daughter. We want her to be remembered as a person; a human being; a caring, devoted, loving family member; and a great friend,” Kupfer’s father told Fox News on Tuesday. “She embodied so much that we all should be proud of in a young woman. And she had dreams and aspirations that unfortunately are going to be ended by this.”
UCLA GRADUATE STUDENT KILLED IN KNIFE ATTACK AT HIGH-END LOS ANGELES FURNITURE STORE
LAPD Lt. John Radke said during Tuesday’s press conference the police believe the attack was random and that nothing was taken. He said officials also believe Smith is homeless, although the LAPD has not been able to identify a camp or location where the suspect stays regularly.
Smith walked on foot to several other businesses before and after the stabbing, according to police. The LAPD released surveillance footage purportedly showing him at a nearby 7-Eleven about 30 minutes after the stabbing. Radke suggested Kupfer may have been attacked because she was by herself, whereas the 7-Eleven and other businesses had bystanders.
Video of the suspect wanted in connection with a murder which occurred in the 300 block of North La Brea on January 13, 2022. He should be considered armed & dangerous. Any info on the identity of the suspect call LAPD West Bureau Homicide at 213-382-9470. https://t.co/mQrvHXkuZZ pic.twitter.com/Cd8yiOHVT2
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) January 19, 2022
Kupfer, a graduate student in architectural design at the University of California, Los Angeles, texted a friend that someone in the Hancock Park furniture store was giving her “bad vibes,” officials said. She was found dead shortly afterward by a customer at the store, according to the LAPD.
When asked about the local policy on homelessness, LAPD Chief Michel Moore told reporters Tuesday it has worsened in recent years. He said the homelessness situation has been caused by several policy failures that go beyond what law enforcement can do and advocated for creating more homeless shelters.
“The role of persons experiencing homelessness being both victims and suspects in the crime of violent homicide shooting has increased year over year,” Moore said during the press conference. “It speaks to our failed system of mental health. The fact of the matter is over the weekend if an individual is suffering a mental health crisis, the only resource they have is 911, and that’s wrong.”
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A 2020 study by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority estimates over 41,000 people in the city are experiencing homelessness. A similar 2021 study was canceled amid pandemic concerns, the Los Angeles Times reported. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said the city has experienced an 11.8% increase in homicides from 2020 to 2021, and violent crime increased by 3.9% in the same time frame, local affiliate ABC7 reported.
The LAPD warned Smith could be armed and dangerous.
