Five homeless people were shot, leaving two dead, 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 the group of homeless people at 5.30 pm near a highway overpass in the northern part of Vegas. One victim, a male in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene due.
Two other males in their 30’s are listed in stable condition while another male of similar age is listed as critical. One male male who is in his late teens is said to be in stable condition.
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.
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.”
Then 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-colored sedan 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.
“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.”
