LAPD identifies suspect in stabbing of UCLA grad student Brianna Kupfer
Los Angeles police have identified and launched a manhunt for the suspect who fatally stabbed a high-end furniture store worker on January 13.
24-year-old UCLA student, Brianna Kupfer was killed in a random attack while working alone in the store at Croft House.
31-year-old suspect, Shawn Laval Smith, entered the store on North La Brea Ave, according to police, making Brianna feel “a bad vibe” about which she texted to her friend. Smith then stabbed Kupfer and left the store through a back door. He was seen calmly walking down the street, according to cops.
Police identified the victim as 24-year-old Brianna Kupfer. According to LAPD, the man who killed her left out the back door up through the alley toward Oakwood Avenue and La Brea Avenue. https://t.co/sxaRMjMOqx pic.twitter.com/FSsckzIQ0S
— Rick Montanez (@RickCBSLA) January 14, 2022
According to Covina Police Department, Smith was arrested for a misdemeanor in October 2020 but was released from jail without paying bail.
Here's a pic of Brianna Kupfer, 24, stabbed to death by "man" in LA store Thursday for no apparent reason https://t.co/zgtcIbvmVj pic.twitter.com/2YAzRwiC5J
— Peter Brimelow (@peterbrimelow) January 15, 2022
Authorities announced the large reward — a combination of municipal reward money and community donations.
31-year-old Shawn Laval Smith has been identified in connection with the murder of Brianna Kupfer, which occurred in the 300 block of North La Brea Avenue on January 13, 2022. He should be considered armed and dangerous. If seen do not approach, call 911. pic.twitter.com/jZlESB9l9r
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) January 19, 2022
The 6’3” 190 pound Smith had recently been in Pasadena, Santa Monica, West Hollywood and other southern California locations, according to a poster released by LAPD.
The department said “special attention” should be given to bus stops and train platforms in the search.
LAPD released a surveillance video of the suspect.
Boom. What did I say?
— Suburban Black Man ???????? (@goodblackdude) January 19, 2022
The system FAILED Brianna Kupfer. pic.twitter.com/SYfisJiHcc
There will be no vigil for Brianna Kupfer denouncing anti-white hate. pic.twitter.com/epRgou6A0B
— Patrick Basedman???????????? (@patrickbasedmn) January 19, 2022
I don't want to hear a damn thing from any LA City Council members about their sadness over Brianna Kupfer's death. I want them to take responsibility for the policies and actions that led to it, and admit that they are wrong and destructive.
— Jennifer Van Laar (@jenvanlaar) January 18, 2022