Los Angeles

2 of 3 Homeless Victims of Baseball Bat Beating Die: Police

Two of three homeless men beaten with a baseball bat in downtown Los Angeles have died, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed Thursday.

Detectives released security video Monday, Sept. 17, of a suspect who beat the three victims before going through their pockets and robbing them.

One attack was reported about 7 a.m. Sunday near the 700 block of Wilshire Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

"A canvass of the area also located an additional victim near the area of Fifth Street between Flower Street and Figueroa (Street)," according to police.

Paramedics took three people, all in critical condition, to a hospital, police said. Investigators determined the victims were attacked about 4:30 a.m. Sunday, according to the LAPD.

"The suspect beat the victims with a baseball bat and went through the victims' pockets, taking property," police said. "The suspect was last seen leaving the area on foot."

Video of the suspect was shared at news conference at LAPD headquarters.

He is described as white or Hispanic with dark bushy hair and wearing a blue hat, gray sweatshirt, black shorts and bright white tennis shoes.

Anyone with information that could lead detectives to the suspect was urged to call Detectives Daryn Dupree, David Holmes or Laura Evens of the LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division at (213) 486-6860 or the Real Time Analysis and Critical Response Division at 213-484-6700.

After hours or on weekends calls should be directed to 877-LAPD-24-7.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling -800-222-TIPS or at lacrimestoppers.org.

Early Thursday police discovered the body of a homeless man underneath the Santa Monica Pier. He appeared to have been beaten over the head with a blunt object, and police were investigating whether his death was linked to the three others in downtown Los Angeles.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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