Shawn Laval Smith.Photo: LAPD Headquarters
Local authorities have identified a suspect in connection tothe death of 24-year-old graduate studentBrianna Kupfer, who was stabbed while working at a Los Angeles high-end furniture store last week.
The Los Angeles Police Department is searching for Shawn Laval Smith, 31, who is considered"armed and dangerous"and likely traveling via public transportation across southern California. Anyone with information is urged to call 911 immediately.
Police say Smith was last seen wearing a dark hoodie, sunglasses, a white N-95 mask, dark-colored skinny jeans, and dark-colored shoes. The suspect was also carrying a dark-colored backpack at the time of the attack, according to police.
The reward for any information leading to an arrest now totals over $250,000 — with officials offering $50,000, combined with donations from Kupfer’s home community in the Pacific Palisades.
Brianna Kupfer.Facebook
Kupfer, of Pacific Palisades, was killed Thursday when the attacker entered the store Croft House on North La Brea Avenue andstabbed her, according to the LAPD.
At apress conference held on Tuesday, authorities said that Kupfer had texted a friend shortly before she was killed.
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He continued, “Regrettably, that person did not see the text immediately. And at 1:50 p.m., a citizen who was coming into the store, a customer, found Brianna lying on the ground lifeless, covered in blood.”
The suspect fled through a back door after the attack, LAPD said.
Investigators believe the man to be homeless, saying that he “walked for miles” in all directions around the neighborhood where the stabbing took place, police said, adding that the attack is thought to be random with no motive involved.
Kupfer was a graduate of both Brentwood High School in Los Angeles and the University of Miami,her family saidin a statement to CBS Los Angeles.
Her father toldCBS Los Angelesthat his daughter had been working on a degree in architectural design at UCLA.
“I don’t see us healing anytime soon,” he said. “I would love to tell you that there’s going to be a point we’re going to be better, but I feel like it’s going to be a big missing piece.”
For those with any helpful information on this case or suspect, callthe LAPD24/7 at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or submit an anonymous tip throughLAPD’s form.
source: people.com
