Jabarri Rafael Butts, a 36-year-old man, was tragically shot and killed on April 29, 2015, in West Covina, California. The incident occurred in the 500 block of South Vincent Avenue, behind a Social Security office building. Butts, who was homeless at the time, was found with multiple gunshot wounds to his head and body. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after police arrived in response to reports of gunfire.
The area where Butts was found was known to be frequented by homeless individuals, although it is unclear if he was specifically targeted due to his circumstances.
The investigation into Butts' death quickly identified Manuel Jerome Lujan, a 33-year-old man from La Puente, as the primary suspect. Lujan was arrested the following day on suspicion of murder and other related crimes. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, Lujan was involved in a series of violent incidents leading up to Butts' murder. On April 26, 2015, Lujan allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint in Valinda, demanding his cellphone. He then continued his crime spree, which included erratic behavior and waving a gun in a West Covina neighborhood on the day of Butts' murder.
Lujan's violent actions culminated in the shooting of Butts, followed by an attack on his former girlfriend. After killing Butts, Lujan reportedly drove to his ex-girlfriend's home, where he threw rocks at her window and fired shots at her when she looked outside. She survived the encounter with minor injuries from shattered glass. Lujan was later tied to the crime through surveillance footage and witness statements. He was charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and robbery.
In court, Lujan pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case against him included a special allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, causing great bodily injury and death. Prosecutors also highlighted Lujan's prior conviction for assault with a deadly weapon in 2001. Despite his plea, the evidence against Lujan was substantial, and he faced a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison. The legal proceedings continued for several years, with Lujan eventually pleading no contest to the charges in 2024. He was scheduled for sentencing in December 2024, bringing some closure to the tragic events that led to the death of Jabarri Rafael Butts.
