LAPD Headquarters announced that Shawn Laval Smith, the suspect in the murder of Brianna Kupfer, is now in custody. He was located and detained by Pasadena Police Department around 11:50 a.m. this morning in the area of Fair Oaks and Colorado Blvd. Kupfer, 24, was fatally stabbed while she was working by herself at Croft House furniture store on La Brea Avenue last Thursday, January 13, 2022.
“We would like to thank the public, Councilmember Paul Koretz, the media and our partners at Pasadena PD for their support in apprehending the suspect,” LAPD posted on social media.
According to the LA Daily News, Pasadena police Lt. Sean Dawkins said the suspect was arrested this morning after a caller reported seeing a man matching the description of the suspect. The suspect was arrested at Fair Oaks Avenue and Colorado Boulevard and turned over to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Yesterday, LAPD Wilshire Division released the identification of 31-year-old Shawn Laval Smith, sharing images from security cameras as the suspect, whom they believed was also homeless, moved up and down, going in and out of stores on La Brea following the crime. Based on his behavior, police warned the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
Officials held a press conference on Tuesday, announcing the $250,000 award for anyone who provided information that led to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect. Â Officials said this was the largest award offered and it had been donated by a number of individuals, including $50,000 from the City Council proposed by CD5 Councilmember Paul Koretz. Chief Michael Moore said the large award would draw attention and urged the the public to help find Kupfer’s killer.
According to local news reports, Kupfer, who was from Pacific Palisades, was taking an exterior design course at UCLA extension while working at Croft House. According to police, Kupfer texted a friend saying there was someone in the store who was giving her a “bad vibe,” unfortunately, the text was not read immediately.
Local residents have organized a vigil tomorrow in front of Croft House furniture store at 326 N. La Brea between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., the approximate time that Kupfer was fatally stabbed.
The unfortunate reality that we all need to take seriously and demand action and accountability for is the reference to the text that someone in the store was giving her a “bad vibe”. Had she called the LAPD, first it is likely her call would not immediately reach a 911 operator and she’d first be on hold for several minutes with the emergency line and if she called the non-emergency line likely at least 10 or more minutes on hold. If she got through police would code the call so low that if they responded at all it would be an egregious amount of time later. In any of the aforementioned scenarios she would still be dead. We need to demand better policing and accountability for the continually deteriorating police service the LAPD provides to the people of Los Angeles.
Great coverage, Patty.