A 57-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of three men inside a Hollywood apartment in Los Angeles, authorities said. The victims were found several days after investigators believe they were killed during an altercation inside the residence.
Police identified the suspect as Patrick Kevin Spurlock, who was taken into custody on Aug. 14. He is facing three murder charges along with additional allegations involving a firearm and his previous criminal history.
Three Men Found Dead During Welfare Check
According to police, the killings occurred during the early morning hours of July 24 at an apartment in the 1900 block of Wilcox Avenue.
Investigators allege that Spurlock was inside the apartment with the three victims when an altercation broke out. Police said the victims were subsequently forced to the floor at gunpoint before Spurlock allegedly fired multiple shots at them.
The victims were later identified as Jeremiah Badeker, Jack Cartagena and Michael Bogacz, all Los Angeles residents.
The three bodies were not discovered until July 28, when officers from the Hollywood Division responded to the apartment following a welfare check. Officers entering the residence found all three men suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the victims dead.
Suspect Arrested Nearly Three Weeks After the Shootings
Authorities arrested Spurlock on Aug. 14 in the 6600 block of Franklin Avenue. He was subsequently booked in connection with the killings and remains in custody at the Los Angeles County Inmate Reception Center.
Prosecutors have charged him with three counts of murder, in addition to charges connected to the alleged use of a firearm and his prior criminal record. His bail was denied, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 31.
Spurlock also has a previous criminal conviction in Washington state. According to reports, he was convicted after fatally shooting a man following an argument in 2003. He reportedly served 17 years in prison before being released in 2022.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the triple homicide and are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.
