Suspect in three L.A. killings is ‘preying on the unhoused,’ mayor says

Los Angeles city officials are asking the public for help in identifying a killer thought to be involved in attacks throughout the city on homeless people while they were asleep.

“I want to be very clear about what we’re facing today — this is a killer who is preying on the unhoused,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said at a news conference Friday.

Three men are thought to have been fatally shot during the early morning hours between Sunday and Wednesday, said Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore, who did not provide details about the type of gun used.

The first shooting took place in the Westmont neighborhood, Moore said during the news conference. The two later shootings occurred near the Skid Row and Lincoln Heights areas.

Moore said they’re seeking a single assailant who is thought to be male. Video and physical evidence point to the individual approaching victims while they slept in open areas, Moore said, including on sidewalks or alleyways. Police also identified a dark sedan thought to be linked to the suspect, but Moore said they are still working on a better description of the car.

“We’re asking the public to look at these images, gather the locations where they occurred and to help us identify the person responsible,” Moore said, adding that there is no evidence of disputes or altercations before the attacks. He also declined to identify the shooter as a “serial killer.”

The first victim was Jose Palanos, a 37-year-old Hispanic man, followed by Mark Diggs, a 62-year-old Black man. The Wednesday shooting killed a 52-year-old Hispanic man, but police are not releasing his name until a family member has been identified.

The LAPD is starting a task force to investigate the killings. Moore said those facing homelessness and in places where they are alone should seek immediate safety and shelter.

Bass, the mayor, said “living on the streets is dangerous, and we already know that four to five people die each day on our streets.”

“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,” Bass said. “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.”

The city is working with homeless organizations and agencies, including the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Housing Department, to ensure shelters remain open, Bass said.

Martin Estrada, an attorney with the Department of Justice, said the agency is looking into whether this investigation should involve federal charges.

“There are various things that could be in play, but again, the investigation is early,” Estrada said. “We’re here to support the investigation.”

Police ask anyone with information to call the LAPD’s robbery-homicide division at 213-486-6890.