Brianna Kupfer
UCLA Extension student Brianna Kupfer, 24, was stabbed to death while working alone inside a Los Angeles luxury furniture store on Jan. 13. Police say Kupfer was attacked inside Croft House in Hancock Park just before 2 p.m. on that day. She was found bleeding out on the floor by a customer 20 minutes later and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Newsweek.com published these updates on Jan. 18:
During a press conference authorities stated while working alone in the store, Kupfer texted a friend saying someone was getting a bad vibe. Police say that friend did not see the text immediately.
Authorities also revealed that the suspect was in the furniture store for several minutes.
Police have released new surveillance video capturing the man believed to be the suspect. Detectives have since determined the attack was random and believe the suspect is homeless.
The family of Brianna Kupfer released an emotional statement remembering their "rising star," as the search for the man suspected in her death enters a fifth day.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz read the statement during Tuesday's press conference, prior to announcing the increased reward money topping $250,000, thanks to donations.
"It is with great sadness that our entire Kupfer family mourns the passing of our beautiful daughter Brianna as a result of this horrific attack," the statement began.
"Brianna, who was born, educated and was building her career here in Los Angeles, was a rising star in this community whose ascent was unnecessarily cut short by the actions of a heartless criminal last Thursday," the statement continued.
"In many ways, she embodied everything that is great about Los Angeles and the entire city should grieve over this senseless act."
"Brianna was a smart, funny, driven and kind soul who only wanted to better herself and her community on a daily basis. While she could be shy at times, she lit up any room she was in and strove to elevate everyone she met so they could be better versions of themselves," the family said about the 24-year-old.
"She deeply loved her family and friends and made every day better simply by her presence. We will miss her greatly and there won't be a day that goes by that we will not think of her."
The family then thanked the community, city leaders and law enforcement for the ongoing support and flood of donations.
"Please take the time to hug and cherish your family today as Brianna would have wanted and in her everlasting memory, work at the grassroots level to make our communities better every day," the letter concluded.
According to her LinkedIn page, Kupfer attended the University of Miami, graduating in 2019 with a degree in public relations.
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