Brianna Kupfer news - latest: LAPD release new suspect pictures as reward tops $250,000

A manhunt is underway for a suspect accused of stabbing 24-year-old Brianna Kupfer to death at the furniture store where she worked in Los Angeles.

Ms Kupfer, a graduate student at the University of California - Los Angeles, was alone on a shift at the Croft House showroom on 13 January when a masked man walked in and attacked her, police said. She was found bleeding out on the floor by a customer 20 minutes later and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nearly a week later, the assailant, believed to be a homeless man, is still at large after surveillance video captured him leaving the shop through a back door and walking calmly down an alley.

In addition to a $50,000 reward from the city council, private donations for information relating to the capture of the suspect have now taken the total to in excess of $250,00.

Investigators said Ms Kupfer, who hailed from Pacific Palisades and worked as a design consultant for the high-end retailer, appeared to have been targeted at random.

Her heartbroken father, Todd Kupfer, spoke out about the tragedy on Monday and blamed politicians’ failure to curb surging crime in the city. On the same day, a soon-to-retire nurse was fatally attacked while waiting for a bus downtown.

Key Points

• Police share new video of suspect

• Kupfer’s father blasts crime surge

• What we know about the suspect

• New images of suspect released as LAPD reveal Brianna texted friend

• Reward money tops $250,000

Latest images of suspect

22:11 , Oliver O'Connell

New images of suspect released as LAPD reveal Brianna texted friend

22:00 , Oliver O'Connell

The LAPD has released new images of the man suspected of killing UCLA grad student Brianna Kupfer and announced a reward for his capture had increased to $250,000.

A $50,000 reward put up by the city of Los Angeles had grown to $250,000 with donations from private groups and individuals, police revealed at a press conference on Tuesday.

Ms Kupfer, 24, was stabbed to death while working alone at Croft House furniture store in the suburb of Hancock Park last Thursday afternoon.

Police also revealed Ms Kupfer texted a friend to say a customer was “giving her a bad vibe” just before her murder.

Bevan Hurley reports.

LAPD release new images of Brianna Kupfer suspect as they increase reward

Reward money tops $250,000

21:35 , Oliver O'Connell

The Los Angeles Police Department says that at $250,000, the reward for information used to find Ms Kupfer’s killer is one of the largest in recent memory.

21:22 , Oliver O'Connell

Police chief Moore underlines the need for a comprehensive approach to homelessness not just from a law enforcement perspective but from housing and mental health perspectives too.

Councilmember Koretz says that the state of California long ago abandoned responsibility for mental health and it is time that they once again addressed it.

21:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Brianna texted her friend saying there was someone in the store who was giving her a bad vibe. The recipient of the text did not see it until later.

The suspect has again been described as homeless.

It appears to have been a random act and nothing was taken from the scene.

The murder weapon is confirmed as a knife.

Police chief Michael Moore speaks

21:12 , Oliver O'Connell

He acknowledges a tough week for the city with Brianna’s murder, the death of nurse Sandra Shells, the discovery of a body of a 1-year-old girl, and the loss of an officer.

Mr Moore says the suspect visited numerous businesses of different sizes, up and down the street and in neighbouring streets before killing Brianna.

He notes that the suspect’s tall, slim stature, backpack and facemask — described more as a painter’s mask than an N95 — are distinctive and he will have been noticed by members of the public.

Councilmember Paul Koretz speaks

21:07 , Oliver O'Connell

Councilmember Paul Koretz reads a statement from the family.

They call Brianna a rising star in the community who embodied everything great about Los Angeles who lit up any room she was in. She deeply loved her family and friends.

They thank the city council, LAPD, and the whole of the westside community for the outpouring of grief and sympathy at their daughter’s death.

In addition to the $50,000 offered by the city, more than $200,000 has been donated to bring the suspect to justice.

New images of suspect released

21:02 , Oliver O'Connell

LAPD press conference expected soon

20:47 , Oliver O'Connell

We are awaiting the 1pm PST LAPD press conference to officially announce the reward being offered for information to identify Ms Kupfer’s killer.

LAPD police chief Michael Moore, city council member Paul Koretz, and a member of the Kupfer family will attend.

In a statement, the LAPD said: “West Bureau Homicide Detectives are asking the public’s help for information identifying and locating the suspect in a deadly stabbing, which occurred on January 13, 2022 and will announce a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.”

Kupfer’s father condemns politicians for soaring crime

20:40 , Oliver O'Connell

The slain student’s father, Todd Kupfer, condemned politicians for failing to curb soaring crime in the days after his daughter’s murder.

“Crime is truly spiking, and we have a lot of criminals on the streets that should not be out,” he told Fox News on Monday.

“We have a lot of politicians that somehow forgot about people and think the key to getting elected is to support the lowest rung of our society and to give them rights and somehow that’s the answer to getting votes.”

The Independent’s Arpan Rai reports.

Brianna Kupfer: Father of student stabbed to death slams politicians for crime spike

Suspect may have spoken with neighbouring business owner

20:20 , Oliver O'Connell

A woman who owns a business next door to the store where Ms Kupfer was killed claims she came face-to-face with the suspect moments before the stabbing.

Dr Jennifer Botelho, who runs a chiropractic practice in Hancock Park, said a man matching the suspect’s description came into her store on Thursday afternoon.

“He asked a couple of questions: ‘Do you do orthopedics here?’ What kind of care we provide and then he left. So he was just here for a few minutes,” Dr Botelho told CBS Los Angeles.

She also said that she’s been forced to ramp up security at her business in recent months due to an increase in crime in the neighbourhood.

Offering her condolences to Ms Kupfer’s family, she said: “It’s terrifying. It’s horrible. She’s such a young girl. … We feel so horrible for Brianna’s family, and hope we can catch this guy.”

Sandra Shells: Nurse attacked and killed on same day as Kupfer was about to retire

20:00 , Oliver O'Connell

A Los Angeles nurse killed in a random attack on the same day that Ms Kupfer was killed was just about to retire, a neighbour has said.

Sandra Shells, 70, died in hospital on 16 January, three days after police say a homeless man assaulted her at a bus stop.

Ms Shells had been a nurse at a local medical centre for 38 years, and her death has left a shocked community trying to make sense of the attack.

Nathan Place reports.

LA nurse killed in bus stop attack was about to retire, neighbour says

City councilmember: ‘Deep sorrow and sadness ... has engulfed us all’

19:49 , Oliver O'Connell

Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz released a statement on Friday.

The tragic murder of Brianna Kupfer in Hancock Park has shaken our community to its core. There are no words that can express the deep sorrow and sadness that has engulfed us all. My family’s prayers are with Brianna’s family and friends at this time, with my commitment and reassurance that we will find the perpetrator who committed this heinous act and bring him to justice.

My Director of Public Safety was on scene yesterday with LAPD Operations West Bureau Detectives and Wilshire Area Captain Sonia Monico. We are working closely with our law enforcement counterparts to assure they have every resource necessary. LAPD is aware of my full and unconditional support to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Hancock Park

19:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The murder of Ms Kupfer has shocked residents of the affluent Hancock Park neighbourhood.

Situated in the Wilshire area, it sits to the south of Hollywood and Melrose, and to the east of La Brea, approximately four miles west of Downtown Los Angeles.

Centrally-located to the neighbourhood is the Wilshire Country Club. Other nearby landmarks include the LaBrea Tar Pits and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

A sizeable portion of the area is zoned as historically important having been developed in the 1920s. A number of residences of consuls generals are within Hancock Park, including those of Canada, Japan, and the UK — where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stayed on a visit in 2011.

The neighbourhood is approximately 71 per cent White, 13 per cent Asian, eight per cent Hispanic or Latino, four per cent Black, and four per cent mixed race. An estimated 20 per cent of the population is Orthodox Jewish.

Nearby businesses to Croft House, where Ms Kupfer worked, include lighting and plumbing stores, various eateries, a Kosher market, and two Orthodox synagogues.

Everything we know about Kupfer

19:00 , Megan Sheets

Ms Kupfer’s slaying at her place of work has shattered the Hancock Park community, where she was known as a “kind soul”, beacon of positivity and role model to young women.

At the time of her death, the 24-year-old was seeking a graduate degree in architectural design at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).

She leaves behind her parents and three siblings.

The Independent’s Oliver O’Connell explains everything we know about Ms Kupfer:

Who is Brianna Kupfer? Everything we know about slain UCLA grad student

Neighbor shares regret at missing killer

18:30 , Megan Sheets

A neighbour whose home looks out over the alley behind the store where Ms Kupfer was killed has shared his regret that he didn’t catch a glimpse of the suspect as he fled.

John Harding said he frequently watches the alley for suspicious activity, but was out for a walk when the murder took place on 13 January.

“As I work from home, I just look out the window constantly just to see what is that individual doing? Are they just walking through, or are they looking in someone’s car trying to find a door that’s open to a back gate,” he explained to KABC.

“I took my dog for a walk at the time that this happened and I have a little guilt, if only I had walked at a different time, I might have been able to help identify the individual that did this violence to an innocent individual just doing her job.”

Press conference scheduled for 1pm

18:00 , Megan Sheets

Los Angeles police will hold a press conference on the Kupfer case at 1pm local time on Tuesday.

There they will announce a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the capture of the 24-year-old’s killer, the LAPD said in a statement.

The press conference will be attended by Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz, LAPD Chief of Police Michel Moore and a representative of the Kupfer family.

Outpouring of grief and anger on social media

17:50 , Megan Sheets

The random killing of Ms Kupfer has led to an outpouring of grief and anger on social media as a police manhunt for the suspect continues for a fifth day.

Jessica Lall, a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and CEO of the Central City Association, criticised the city’s response to the recent spate of killings.

“I am both horrified and devastated to hear about a 24-year-old woman who was stabbed to death by a customer,” Ms Lall said in a video posted to social media.

“The response – or lack thereof – to the stabbing of Brianna Kupfer and attack of the nurse at Union Station is absolutely maddening. We need leaders in office who are prepared to step up when such tragedies occur.”

The Independent’s Bevan Hurley has more:

Outpouring of grief and anger on social media over killing of Brianna Kupfer

Security guard describes moment Kupfer’s body was found

17:20 , Megan Sheets

Many members of the Hancock Park community have spoken out to share their shock at Ms Kupfer’s killing.

Herman Hinks, who works as a security guard across the street from the Croft House furniture shop, recalled the moment two customers came out of the store after discovering her body.

“I saw them walk out and I just see sheer terror. She was screaming like ‘Oh my God, oh my God,’” Mr Hinks told KABC. “At that point, I was trying to make my way over. There was too much traffic. By that time, police came from everywhere. When I walked that way, you could see through the window and when I looked down, I said: ‘Oh my God, that’s the young lady that works at the store.’”

Mr Hinks remembered Ms Kupfer as “very friendly”.

“I see her every morning. She come in, she opens the shop. Real friendly woman,” he said. “She’ll look back and wave. Everybody over here is friendly. We look out for one another in the area.”

Case draws comparisons to LA nurse assault

16:50 , Megan Sheets

On the same day Ms Kupfer was killed, a nurse died after she was assaulted by a homeless person at a bus stop in downtown Los Angeles.

Sandra Shells, 70, was waiting for a bus at Union Station on 13 January when an assailant later identified as Kerry Bell allegedly hit her in the face, knocking her to the ground.

Ms Shells suffered a fractured skull and was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Many reacting on social media have pointed to the deaths of Ms Kupfer and Ms Shells as evidence that crime in the city is out of control.

The Independent’s Nathan Place has more:

LA nurse dies after assault by homeless person at bus stop, police say

Croft House temporarily closes

16:30 , Megan Sheets

Croft House, the upscale furniture store where Ms Kupfer was killed, has temporarily closed in the wake of the shocking murder.

The closure was announced in an Instagram post which read: “The entire Croft House family is deeply saddened by the devastating loss of our beloved team member on January 13, 2022.

“Our La Brea Avenue showroom will be closed until further notice to allow our team members to grieve and process this unthinkable tragedy and in order for law enforcement to complete their investigation.

“Please keep family, friends, and colleagues in close thought during this difficult time as we mourn, cherish, miss, and honor someone we cared for so much.

“The entire Croft House family sends our love to our team member’s family and friends. Please direct all questions related to this tragic event to the LAPD.”

What we know about the suspect

16:10 , Megan Sheets

Very little is known about the man wanted for Ms Kupfer’s murder, who was captured on surveillance video leaving her place of work.

Police described him as a Black male of unknown age wearing a dark hoody, sunglasses, a white N-95 mask, dark skinny jeans, dark shoes. He was also carrying a dark backpack in the footage.

Investigators believe the man may have been homeless and was not known to Ms Kupfer.

Anyone with information is urged to contact West Bureau Homicide investigators at (213) 382-9470 or Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.

Employer shares horror at killing

15:50 , Megan Sheets

Riley Rea, a co-owner of the Croft House furniture shop where Ms Kupfer was killed, called the attack “disgusting and unexpected”.

Mr Rea said Ms Kupfer was beloved by fellow employees over the year and a half that she worked at the store as a design consultant.

“She was mature beyond her years,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “I’m absolutely devastated for her and her family. It just seems so disgusting and unexpected. Really there are no words to say how shocked we are to lose such a wonderful person.”

Mr Rea said he’d never seen anything like the attack in the 12 years that the store has been open on North La Brea Avenue.

Makeshift memorial erected outside store

15:30 , Megan Sheets

In the days after Ms Kupfer’s death, the Hancock Park erected a makeshift memorial in her honour outside the Croft House furniture retailer.

The site is adorned with flowers, balloons, candles photos of Kupfer and messages expressing love and sadness.

Shop owner describes speaking to suspect

15:10 , Megan Sheets

A woman who owns a business next door to the store where Ms Kupfer was killed claims she came face-to-face with the suspect moments before the stabbing.

Dr Jennifer Botelho, who runs a chiropractic practice in Hancock Park, said a man matching the suspect’s description came into her store on Thursday afternoon.

“He asked a couple of questions: ‘Do you do orthopedics here?’ What kind of care we provide and then he left. So he was just here for a few minutes,” Dr Botelho told CBS Los Angeles.

She also said that she’s been forced to ramp up security at her business in recent months due to an increase in crime in the neighbourhood.

Offering her condolences to Ms Kupfer’s family, she said: “It’s terrifying. It’s horrible. She’s such a young girl. … We feel so horrible for Brianna’s family, and hope we can catch this guy.”

Who is Brianna Kupfer?

14:45 , Megan Sheets

Ms Kupfer has been described by loved ones as a “kind soul” who “glowed with positivity”.

At the time of her death, the 24-year-old was seeking a graduate degree in architectural design at UCLA and working as a design consultant at the Croft House upscale furniture boutique.

Ms Kupfer’s father, Todd Kupfer, remembered her as always trying to improve the world around her.

“She was a kind soul and always was trying to make herself better and everything around her better,” the heartbroken father said. “She cared about people.”

Her friends told CBS: “The world has been robbed of a productive member of society – who glowed with positivity.”

Kupfer’s father condemns spiking crime

14:30 , Megan Sheets

The slain student’s father, Todd Kupfer, condemned politicians for failing to curb soaring crime in the days after his daughter’s murder.

“Crime is truly spiking, and we have a lot of criminals on the streets that should not be out,” he told Fox News on Monday.

“We have a lot of politicians that somehow forgot about people and think the key to getting elected is to support the lowest rung of our society and to give them rights and somehow that’s the answer to getting votes.”

The Independent’s Arpan Rai reports:

Brianna Kupfer: Father of student stabbed to death slams politicians for crime spike

Police share new video of suspect

14:14 , Megan Sheets

Los Angeles police released surveillance video purportedly showing Kupfer’s killer leaving the store moments after he stabbed her.

A man dressed in a mask and hoodie can be seen calmly strolling down an alley behind the Croft House in Hancock Park on Thursday afternoon.

Investigators released the footage in hopes that the public will help identify the man.

The Independent’s Bevan Hurley has more:

New video of Brianna Kupfer suspect released as police appeal for help

Follow live

14:09 , Megan Sheets

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the manhunt for Brianna Kupfer’s killer.

The 24-year-old UCLA grad student was stabbed to death at the furniture store where she worked on 13 January, and the person responsible still has not been apprehended five days later.

Brianna Kupfer: UCLA student stabbed to death at luxury furniture store in LA