- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Ex-cop killed in shootout after police say he catfished California girl, killed her family
Posted on 11/29/22 at 8:20 am
Posted on 11/29/22 at 8:20 am
quote:
The suspect in a triple homicide who died in a shootout with police Friday in Southern California apparently drove across the country to meet a teen girl he catfished online, before killing three of her family members, police said.
Austin Lee Edwards, 28, also likely set fire to the family’s home in Riverside, California, before leaving with the girl, the Riverside Police Department announced in a news release.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputies killed Edwards, a former police officer, after locating him with the teenager later that day, police said.
Edwards, who police said lived in North Chesterfield, Virginia, met the girl online and obtained her personal information by deceiving her with a false identity, known as “catfishing."
Three bodies found in the family's home were identified by police as the girl’s grandparents, Mark Winek, 69, his wife, Sharie Winek, 65, and the girl's mother, Brooke Winek, 38.
Their respective cause of death remained under investigation Monday, police said.
The cause of the fire at the home – about 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles – also remained under investigation, police said, but appeared to have been “intentionally ignited.”
According to police, Edwards developed a relationship with the teen online and then travelled from Virginia to Riverside and parked his vehicle in a neighbor’s driveway. Police said he then walked to the teen’s home in the La Sierra South neighborhood.
At some point, police said, Edwards killed the teen's grandfather, grandmother and mother before returning to his vehicle with the teen and leaving.
Police in Riverside were initially called to the girl's home late Friday morning to check on the welfare of a girl who appeared distressed while getting into a Red Kia Soul with a man, police said.
Investigators later determined the two people were Edwards and the teenager, whose age was not released.
While officers were responding, police began to receive calls about a structural fire just a few houses away from where the welfare call was reported, they said.
The Riverside Fire Department arrived at the home and found a fire on the first floor. When they got inside, police said, they discovered three bodies.
Several hours later, authorities were able to track Edwards' vehicle down as he was driving with the teen through San Bernardino County in the unincorporated area of Kelso.
When deputies caught up to Edwards, police said, he opened fire on them, before being fatally shot by at least one deputy.
Edwards was pronounced dead at the scene, they said.
The teenage girl was unharmed and placed into protective custody of the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, police said.
Officials said Edwards previously worked for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the the Virginia State Police, before he resigned in late October.
“This is yet another horrific reminder of the predators existing online who prey on our children," Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez said. "If you’ve already had a conversation with your kids on how to be safe online and on social media, have it again. If not, start it now to better protect them.”
LINK
Posted on 11/29/22 at 8:24 am to John88
Well that's terrible. Damn.
ETA: Not that he's dead...that's a good thing. But the situation itself is awful.
ETA: Not that he's dead...that's a good thing. But the situation itself is awful.
This post was edited on 11/29/22 at 8:25 am
Posted on 11/29/22 at 8:25 am to John88
Too early in the morning for this shite man
Posted on 11/29/22 at 8:25 am to John88
That retarded looking guy on the left was a cop?
Posted on 11/29/22 at 8:27 am to Oates Mustache
A lot of departments out there are hiring whatever warm body walks through the door these days. Tough market out there.
Posted on 11/29/22 at 8:28 am to John88
If he was just gonna go and get killed in a shootout, why kill the whole family?
Posted on 11/29/22 at 8:39 am to John88
He kind of looks like the girl’s grandfather
Posted on 11/29/22 at 8:42 am to John88
quote:
Officials said Edwards previously worked for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the the Virginia State Police, before he resigned in late October.
Dude is 28 and has been through two agencies before "resigning." 100% something happened. I would like to know what.
Posted on 11/29/22 at 8:53 am to jbgleason
Usually state police is a step up from local. So he was probably just climbing the ladder.
Posted on 11/29/22 at 9:45 am to John88
quote:well that's the biggest lie of this story
The teenage girl was unharmed
Posted on 11/29/22 at 9:49 am to John88
quote:Looks like he’s got a fresh “Edgar” suit on.
Austin Lee Edwards
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News