Authorities in southern California have released surveillance footage of what they say captures the suspect accused of fatally stabbing a UCLA grad student at the high-end furniture store where she worked.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, 24-year-old Brianna Kupfer was fatally stabbed on Thursday while working alone at Croft House, a furniture shop in Los Angeles’ Hancock Park neighborhood. Kupfer was studying design in a UCLA grad school program at the time of her death, and was born and raised in the Los Angeles area.
LAPD identified the suspect Tuesday night as Shawn Laval Smith, 31, and said he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Police have described Smith as a black male, 6 feet 3 inches inches tall, wearing dark clothing and carrying a backpack.
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
Investigators believe he was captured on surveillance footage in the area, and also went into a neighboring business shortly before Kupfer was killed.
The LAPD released video surveillance footage of a man believed to be the suspect at a 7-11 convenience store, 30 minutes and a few miles from the scene of the murder.
Video of the suspect wanted in connection with a murder which occurred in the 300 block of North La Brea on January 13, 2022. He should be considered armed & dangerous. Any info on the identity of the suspect call LAPD West Bureau Homicide at 213-382-9470. https://t.co/mQrvHXkuZZ pic.twitter.com/Cd8yiOHVT2
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) January 19, 2022
As the New York Post reports, Los Angeles Police Department Lt. John Radtke said in a press conference on Tuesday that Kupfer texted a friend that someone in the store was “giving her a bad vibe.”
Law enforcement officials announced at Tuesday’s press conference a $250,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest, with $200,000 of that reward coming from community donations.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the LAPD West Bureau Homicide unit at (213) 382-9470. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Here is the latest episode.
Featured Image: Brianna Kupfer (Left), Shawn Laval Smith (Right)
