January 21, 2022: Man Charged With Murdering Furniture Store Employee in Hancock Park

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that a man was charged today for killing a 24-year-old woman while she worked at a furniture store last week in Hancock Park.

"Those who show no compassion for human life will face serious consequences," District Attorney Gascón said. "The murder of Brianna Kupfer has left Los Angeles County devastated and my office is reaching out to her family to provide any services they may need."

Shawn Laval Smith (dob 5/13/90) was charged in case BA502518 with one count of murder and a special allegation that he used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a knife.

He is expected to be arraigned today in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

On January 13, Smith entered a furniture store in the 300 block of North La Brea Avenue where Kupfer was working alone. He is accused of fatally stabbing her and fleeing the scene.

The defendant was arrested on Wednesday in Pasadena.

The District Attorney's Office continues to work with the Los Angeles Police Department to develop additional evidence in this case. If anyone has information, please call LAPD.