US News

Man facing murder charge in fatal stabbing of UCLA student Brianna Kupfer

A man was charged Friday in the murder of Brianna Kupfer, the UCLA student who was stabbed to death last week working at a high-end Los Angeles furniture store.

Shawn Laval Smith, 31, is facing one count of murder and a special allegation he used a deadly and dangerous weapon, LA County District attorney George Gascon said in a news release.

“Those who show no compassion for human life will face serious consequences,” Gascón said in a statement. “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.”

Police say Smith walked into Croft House on North La Brea Avenue on the afternoon of Jan. 13, while Kupfer was working alone. The 24-year-old texted a friend that someone in the store was “giving her a bad vibe,” police said.

Smith allegedly stabbed Kupfer then fled, police said. She was later found dead by a would-be customer, according to authorities.

UCLA student Brianna Kupfer worked alone at a Los Angeles furniture store when she was fatally stabbed to death. APEX / MEGA
Suspect Shawn Laval Smith was arrested at a bus stop in Pasadena, California. LAPD
Flowers are placed outside the Croft House furniture store where Brianna Kupfer was fatally stabbed. Getty Images

Police asked the public’s help in identifying the killer, eventually identifying Smith as the suspect and offering a record-breaking $250,000 reward for information leading to his capture.

He was arrested at a bus stop in Pasadena on Wednesday when someone recognized him from the media coverage and called into 911.

Smith made his first appearance in court Friday and remains in jail on $2.02 million bail. He is due back in court Feb. 17.