Three people were killed along Compton Creek in the last year.
Their killer, authorities say, was a man who lived in a homeless encampment along the creek.
latimes.com/california/sto…
Patricia Loeza’s body was found in June 2020 near her collapsed tent. She was stabbed 8 times.
When Loeza’s family members explain her path into addiction and homelessness, they start at the beginning.
latimes.com/california/sto…
Kenneth Jones’s body was found Jan. 15 on a bank of the creek.
Jones drifted between living on the streets, in a church-run home & with family in high school and over the next few years. A relative said Jones was a father, creative and full of potential.
latimes.com/california/sto…
Cesar Mazariegos’s body was found Feb. 9 near Compton Creek.
His mom recalled him being a jokester of a child who loved to dance. After being released from jail, Mazariegos reported to a staffing agency near the creek to take whatever work he could get.
latimes.com/california/sto…
The victims were among the roughly 65,000 people in Los Angeles County who have no home or are unsheltered.
Amid a startling rise in homicides in the county over the last year, killings of homeless people have surged most dramatically.
latimes.com/california/sto…
The suspect, Tracy Walker has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one count of possessing a firearm as a felon.
He lived in the encampment near Compton Creek.
His attorney said she was still reviewing evidence and declined to comment.
latimes.com/california/sto…
Surveillance video and a Minute Maid juice carton helped lead investigators to the suspect.
Read more about the investigation into the killings and the victims from reporter @matthewormseth at latimes.com/california/sto…
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