Suspects Arrested in Craig’s List Home Invasion Robberies Detectives Believe There May Be Additional Victims and Urge Them to Come Forward NR09496rf

Los Angeles:  Two suspects have been arrested after being linked to two recent home invasion robberies that occurred because of postings on the Craig’s List website.

In the early evening hours of Sept. 28 and Oct. 2, 2009, four victims at two separate locations were visited by two men whom they believed were massage clients.  On the Craig’s List website, the victims had advertised that they provided massage therapy at their residences and had spoken with the suspects to make arrangements one hour prior to their arrival. One victim was robbed on the Sept. 28 incident at a residence in the 800 block of North Sycamore Avenue, and three victims were robbed during the Oct. 2 incident in the 700 block of North Ardmore Avenue.

At both locations, the suspects’ methods were essentially the same. Upon entering the residence, the first suspect posed as a client.  After several minutes, he displayed a handgun and compelled the victim(s) to allow a second suspect to enter the residence through the front door.  The suspects then proceeded to confine the victims to a bedroom. The victim on Sept. 28 was tied up with bed sheets and those on Oct. 2 were forced to kneel and covered with sheets, after which the suspects ransacked the residences and removed cash, laptop computers and flat screen televisions.  The suspects then left the location in an unknown direction.

Detectives worked diligently to develop significant leads on the case.  Both suspects were taken into custody at their homes without incident, but investigators were unable to locate any of the stolen items at their residences.  On Oct. 5, 2009, 24-year-old Pierre Morris of Chatsworth and 22-year-old Aaron O’Connor of Los Angeles were each charged with four counts of robbery. Both defendants, who were on parole when they committed the crimes, were booked at the Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail and are not eligible for bail.

Detectives believe the suspects may have victimized others in a similar manner who have advertised on Craig’s List but haven’t yet contacted police.  Anyone with information about the incidents or who has been a victim of these robberies is encouraged to call LAPD Wilshire Area Robbery detectives at 213-922-8266 or 213-922-8217.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web Tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD."  Tipsters may remain anonymous.