Serial Killer Who Preyed On The Homeless Is Finally Caught

/in /by

Police in San Diego say the arrest of Jon David Guerrero last Friday will bring to an end a series of attacks that left three homeless men dead and two critically injured. Police told reporters that they have no doubt they have the right man.

Guerrero was arrested in the early hours soon after a fifth homeless man was attacked whilst sleeping under a motorway bridge. Two officers heard the 55-year-old man’s screams and found him with severe trauma to his upper body, Captain David Nisleit said.

Police found Guerrero riding a bicycle nearby and uncovered physical evidence at the scene and at his San Diego home linking him to all the crimes, Nisleit said. He would not give details about the evidence or the victims’ injuries because investigators are still talking to witnesses and want to ensure the credibility of their stories. “We have the right person in jail,” Nisleit said.

The attacks began on July 3rd, when police found the badly burned remains of Angelo De Nardo near some train tracks. The 53-year-old had been murdered before his body was set on fire. The next day, officers found Manuel Mason, 61, who suffered critical injuries to his upper torso. A few hours later, police discovered the body of Shawn Longley, 41, who bled to death from injuries to the upper torso. Dionicio Derek Vahidy, 23, died on Sunday four days after he was set on fire in downtown San Diego.

In all five attacks, the men suffered severe trauma to their upper body and most had been sleeping alone. Advocacy groups have urged homeless people to sleep closer together in well-lit areas.

Guerrero grew up in the wealthy community of Coronado, across the San Diego Bay, known for its mansions and picturesque beaches. Police have not determined a motive and didn’t say if Guerrero had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf.

He faces three counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and two counts of arson in the attacks that Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman called the worst she has seen in her 34 years in law enforcement.

“I firmly believe Guerrero is the suspect responsible for these vicious crimes,” she said. “I say that with complete confidence after receiving a thorough briefing from our homicide unit and fully understanding the amount of physical evidence they have collected today and throughout this entire investigation.”