Brianna Kupfer: UCLA student, 24, stabbed to death while working at LA furniture store
A 24-year-old woman was stabbed to death while working at a high-end furniture store in Hancock Park, Los Angeles. The victim, identified as Brianna Kupfer of Pacific Palisades, was killed on Thursday, January 13, when an unknown assailant entered the furniture store and stabbed her. The high-end store, Croft House, is located at the 300 block of North La Brea Avenue.
Wilshire Patrol officers were alerted about the assault by a customer who found Kupfer's body around 1.50 pm (local time), according to the LAPD. The police believe that the victim might not have known the suspect prior to the attack. Also, the authorities have stated that the suspect may be homeless.
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As per the findings of the Los Angeles Police Department, the suspect seems to have fled through a back door after the attack. The assailant, described as a man in his 20s or 30s, was wearing a black hoodie, black skinny jeans, dark shoes, sunglasses and a white N95 mask, according to video surveillance footage.
Kupfer was a graduate of both Brentwood High School in Los Angeles and the University of Miami, her family said in a statement to CBS Los Angeles. As per her father, Kupfer had been working on a degree in architectural design at UCLA. Kupfer's father described his daughter as "smart" with "big dreams" in addition to having "lots of friends" and being "devoted to her family."
Riley Rea, co-owner of the Croft House furniture store, said that Kupfer had been working at the business for just over a year before the attack. He said the 24-year-old woman was intelligent, poised and well-liked by her peers, adding, "she was mature beyond her years."
Rea further said, "I'm absolutely devastated for her and her family. It just seems so disgusting and unexpected. Really there are no words to say how shocked we are to lose such a wonderful person."
Dr Jennifer Botelho whose chiropractic clinic neighbors the Croft House said the suspect had entered her clinic, shortly before the stabbing. "He came in and asked a couple of questions: 'Do you do orthopedics here?' What kind of care we provide and then he left." Botelho further added, he was only around "for a few minutes."
Botelho called the situation "terrifying" and "horrible" before offering her condolences to Kupfer's family. "She's such a young girl," she said, adding, "we feel so horrible for Brianna's family, and hope we can catch this guy."
The motive for the attack is not yet known and the police are still looking for the suspect. Individuals with information about the stabbing are asked to contact West Bureau Homicide investigators at (213) 382-9470. Those that wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).