On November 28, 2023, 42-year-old Nicholas Noly Wiratman Simbolon was tragically killed in his San Dimas, California, home. After leaving work, he stopped at an electric vehicle charging station on South Citrus Street in West Covina. Unbeknownst to him, a suspect followed him from this location to his residence on Hawkbrook Drive. As Simbolon parked his Tesla in his garage around 6:45 p.m., the assailant confronted him, demanded personal belongings, and then fatally shot him without
provocation. Simbolon's wife discovered him unresponsive in the garage, and he was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel.
Simbolon was a dedicated employee of the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office, serving as a Principal Information Systems Analyst. He was instrumental in developing software applications for the county and was known for his commitment to his work. He is survived by his wife, mother, and two young sons, ages 8 and 10. His untimely death has left his family, colleagues, and the San Dimas community in deep mourning.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department swiftly initiated an investigation, reviewing surveillance footage that revealed Simbolon was followed home by the suspect. Within 48 hours, detectives, with assistance from the Beverly Hills Police Department, arrested 33-year-old Los Angeles resident, Jerrid Joseph Powell, during a traffic stop near Santa Monica Boulevard and Rexford Drive in Beverly Hills. A firearm was recovered from Powell's vehicle, believed to be the weapon used in the murder. Powell was booked on suspicion of murder and robbery, with bail set at $2 million. An initial court date was scheduled for December 4, 2023.
Further investigations linked Powell to a series of other violent crimes in Los Angeles County. Authorities now believe he is responsible for the shooting deaths of three homeless individuals in separate incidents occurring in late November 2023. Ballistic tests and vehicle identification connected Powell to these crimes, suggesting a disturbing pattern of unprovoked attacks.
The arrest of Powell has brought a measure of relief to the community, though the motive behind these senseless acts remains unclear. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized the importance of community vigilance and extended condolences to the victims' families. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking any additional information that may shed light on these tragic events.
