Stabbing Suspect At Large, Public’s Help Needed NR12339kr

Updated
July 20, 2012

Los Angeles:  Robbery-Homicide Detectives have released a new photo and identity of a ‘Person of Interest’ in the two attempt murder stabbings that occurred in Central and Hollywood areas, that are similar to an occurrence in the city of Santa Monica.

Below is the most updated information: 

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:   
           MALE, BLACK
           SLENDER BUILD
   
PERSON OF INTEREST:   
 ROBINSON, COURTNEY ANTHONY

      DESCRIPTION: MALE, BLACK
      HAIR: BLACK    EYES: BROWN
      HGT:  5’06”        WGT: 145 LBS
      AKA: KEYES, DAVID BEN

Los Angeles:   A series of stabbings have occurred since July 3, 2012 involving homeless victims and the public’s help is needed for information about these crimes and information about a person of interest in the cases.

On July 19, 2012, around 5:30 p.m., Los Angeles Police held a news conference to provide information about a series of stabbings of homeless individuals.  All of the victims have been Caucasian; two men and a woman.  There have been similarities in all of the crimes that have allowed detectives to link them to the same suspect.

At each crime scene a note was left and signed by the alleged suspect indicating it was a “Death Warrant.”  The person of interest who detectives are looking to speak with has been identified as Courtney Anthony Robinson, AKA David Ben Keyes.  He is possibly a homeless person himself who recently came to the Los Angeles area from Santa Barbara.  Photos of an individual believed to be Robinson are provided.

The first attempt murder occurred on July 3, 2012, around 1 a.m., near 3rd Street and Main Street  in the Skidrow area of Los Angeles.  A man, 50 years of age was stabbed in the back as he lay on the sidewalk.   A witness described the possible suspect as a slender male Black.

The second stabbing occurred on July 17, 2012, around 5:30 a.m., near 6th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard in the City of Santa Monica.  The male victim, 59 years of age was lying on a bus bench when he was stabbed in the back.

The most recent assault occurred early this morning, July 19, 2012, around 2:20 a.m., near La Brea Avenue and DeLongpre Avenue in Hollywood.  A female victim was also stabbed in the back as she lay on the sidewalk.  

The Department is urging the homeless population to seek shelter for their own safety.  The warning will be distributed throughout the region with the help of our media partners, Community Alerts and officer contacts.

Anyone with information about these incidents or Robinson is asked to contact LAPD Robbery Homicide Detectives at 213-486-6890.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.