‘Catfishing’ cop pretended is 17, ‘groomed’ California woman prior to killing this lady household members, after that himself
The 28-year-dated Virginia policeman who murdered three nearest and dearest out-of a good Riverside adolescent got presented on line just like the a teenager to “groom” the fifteen-year-dated lady, new Riverside Cops Company said Wednesday.
Austin Lee Edwards depicted themselves since the good 17-year-dated if you’re communication on the web to the woman, playing with “grooming” measures, that can were systems for example asking for otherwise providing sexually explicit images, taking presents and you will offering comments, Riverside Police Captain Larry Gonzalez said at a press conference.
Gonzalez told you it is still less than data just how long the fresh new digital matchmaking anywhere between Edwards in addition to teenager girl took place and what system it accustomed fulfill otherwise discuss, however, investigators trust people regular exploitative suggestions for “sextortion” were chosen for this situation.
‘Catfishing’ cop pretended become 17, ‘groomed’ California woman in advance of destroying their loved ones, after that themselves
“This can be another type of horrifying reminder of one’s predators established online just who prey on our children,” he said. “If you have already had this talk together with your kids regarding how to be secure on the internet and with the social networking, please have it once again. If you don’t, initiate they today to better include him or her.”
Cops believe Edwards, who was a newly sworn-in law administration manager from inside the rural southwestern Virginia, connected with the fresh teen woman on line https://datingmentor.org/sugar-daddies-usa/wa/ from the “catfishing” – pretending getting individuals he isn’t. Then he drove all over the country so you can this lady home for the Riverside, in which he slain the girl mother and you will grand-parents and set fire in order to your house, ahead of riding out of to the girl.
His automobile are later avoided from inside the San Bernardino State, where authorities initially said he was murdered into the a good shootout that have police, although San Bernardino Condition Sheriff’s Agency established Wednesday which he passed away from a home-inflicted gunshot injury.
Catfishing a female, killing her nearest and dearest: To the Virginia cop’s alleged Ca rampage
Police state a cop out of Virginia continued a horrific rampage Monday inside the Riverside, catfishing an adolescent woman, up coming eliminating this lady mom and you will grand-parents.
The three household members killed was basically defined as Draw Winek, 69, a long time basketball and you may softball mentor during the Arlington High-school; their spouse, Sharie Winek, 65, a faithful mother and you can grandmother; in addition to their daughter, Brooke Winek, 38, just one mom away from a few teenage female – like the lady manipulated by Edwards. Each of them existed along with her on Riverside house.
“That it horrific experience come that have unsuitable online love ranging from a beneficial predator and a young child,” Michelle Blandin told you courtesy tears Wednesday, really the only surviving child out of Draw and you can Sharie Winek. “He grabbed a keen oath to protect, yet he didn’t do so. As an alternative, he preyed on the very vulnerable.”
The fresh Virginia manager exactly who turned up from the Wineks’ home Tuesday got accomplished law enforcement academy earlier this 12 months, according to Virginia police, and had been recently leased since a beneficial patrol deputy which have good state Sheriff’s Work environment only 10 weeks prior to their rampage when you look at the Riverside.
If you find yourself Blandin mentioned that Edwards tried to kidnap the girl relative, Riverside police authorities said they’re not yet explaining this new telecommunications because an enthusiastic abduction, as they are still brushing thanks to real and you will electronic facts, seeking to understand if she is actually coerced otherwise endangered to obtain on the Edwards’ automobile.
But not, Riverside police representative Ryan Railsback said there is no indication brand new adolescent lady are mixed up in killings otherwise flames. The guy said the adolescent went into vehicle that have Edwards given that our home had been on fire.
“Contained in this heartbreaking time in our friends, our sadness, hopefully particular goodwill come from it,” Blandin said. “Moms and dads, please, delight see your son or daughter’s on the web passion. Ask questions about what these are generally undertaking and just who he could be speaking to; you can now state these include other people. . If the something such as this horrific problem may appear here in our very own area inside our area, it will takes place anyplace.”