Cops: Calif. serial killer preying on homeless

This image taken from surveillance video at a Placentia, Calif., strip mall released by the Anaheim police Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, shows a person wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, top, approaching 53-year-old homeless man James McGillivray. McGillivray was later killed at the strip mall, and authorities believe the hooded figure is a suspect. / AP Photo/Anaheim Police

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Authorities said Wednesday they believe a serial killer was responsible for the slayings of three middle-aged homeless men who were stabbed to death last month.

Police have been warning homeless people throughout Orange County not to camp or sleep in secluded areas. Two of the killings took place at night and one in the late afternoon.

Authorities asked for the public's help in finding the killer. No possible motive has been disclosed.

"We believe these murders were likely committed by the same suspect and feel he is extremely dangerous to the public," Anaheim Police Chief John Welter said.

The Los Angeles Times reported that police have obtained a photograph of a suspect from a video surveillance camera in the area where the first victim was killed.

The photo shows a thin man dressed in a dark hoodie or sweater who appears to be lying in wait for his victim, according to the Times.

Investigators are also reviewing surveillance video of a 4-door Toyota automobile they believe is connected to the slayings.

"This vehicle is of particular interest to homicide investigators," Welter said.

The body of the first victim, a 53-year-old man, was found Dec. 21 near a Placentia shopping mall. The second victim, a 42-year-old man, was found on a riverbed trail in Anaheim a week later.

The third victim, who was 57, was discovered with fatal stab wounds outside a Yorba Linda library.

[Raptorsmasher]

My mom lives less than 100 yards from where this murder took place. I had seen this homeless man many times before his death. He was just and average guy who was down on his luck and wouldn't hurt a fly. Very sad!

[smittyc]

Baltimore Md had a homeless serial killer years back. It turned out it was two teenagers who were mentally challenged. They were in homes during the week but home on weekends. Whenever thse two got together for an evening, they took baseball bats and bashed in the head of some homeless people who lived along the railround tracks. They killed a dozen or more before they were finally caught. Currently, when they are released on the weekends, their families make sure they are not allowed to get together. Judges orders.

[Jaylah54]

Of course, if those homeless people go to NON-secluded areas to sleep, they'll get run out of there by the police.

Wouldn't it be nice if places that had large halls (churches, schools, etc.) could open them up for homeless people to sleep in, at least until this guy is caught.

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