Citizens help police nab California homeless killer

[Thomas Veil]

And now, here is your feel-good story of the day:

Police in Calif. say homeless killer is in custody

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – Investigators are "extremely confident" a man in custody is responsible for all four recent killings of homeless men in Orange County, Anaheim Police Chief John Welter said Saturday, easing a month of worry and fear among the homeless and their advocates.

Investigators have tied the killings to Itzcoatl Ocampo, 23, of Yorba Linda, who was detained Friday night after a fourth homeless man was stabbed to death in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant, Welter said.

Witnesses and bystanders at the crime scene chased Ocampo on foot, and he was captured by a police officer who was part of a perimeter set up in response to dozens of 911 calls and other reports...

Several witnesses reported an assault in progress, and officers arrived to find the homeless man dead near a trash bin in the restaurant parking lot. Witnesses followed a man and led police to him, Anaheim police Sgt. Bob Dunn said.

Tragic that it involved another death (especially if you read the whole story about the fourth victim, poor guy)...but it's so great to hear that citizens had a chance to get involved, and did. This was an impromptu group effort by just regular folks, and now Mr. Ocampo's little terror spree is over.

A bittersweet ending, I know, but thanks to these folks, a lot of people will be sleeping more easily tonight.

 

[Shrink]

It's encouraging to hear that this was not another "I don't want to get involved" story.

Started my day on an up note - there is some caring about the plight of others after all.

Good news.

For the moment, I'll stay away from what should be done to the perp - I'll just enjoy the good news and mourn the victims.

 

[iJohnHenry]

It would be of some solace to the dead man, if he knew his sacrifice lead to this animal being captured, at last.