‘Catfishing’ policeman pretended is 17, ‘groomed’ California lady ahead of killing the lady loved ones, after that himself

Brand new twenty eight-year-dated Virginia cop who killed about three members of the family of a beneficial Riverside teenager had posed online as the an adolescent so you’re able to “groom” this new 15-year-dated lady, the latest Riverside Police Institution said Wednesday.

Austin Lee Edwards depicted themselves since the a beneficial 17-year-old when you are communicating on the internet on girl, playing with “grooming” tips, that become programs instance requesting or offering sexually specific pictures, getting gifts and you will giving compliments, Riverside Cops Chief Larry Gonzalez told you within a press conference.

Gonzalez told you it’s still under research the length of time this new digital matchmaking ranging from Edwards while the adolescent lady went down and you may exactly what platform it regularly satisfy or show, but investigators faith many of those typical exploitative suggestions for “sextortion” were chosen for this situation.

‘Catfishing’ policeman pretended getting 17, ‘groomed’ California girl ahead of killing the woman relatives, next himself

“It is a separate horrifying indication of your predators established on line exactly who victimize our youngsters,” he said. “If you’ve already got which dialogue with your children about precisely how are safer on the internet and into social networking, delight get it once more. Otherwise, initiate it today to better include them.”

Cops believe Edwards, who was a newly pledged-in-law administration officer in the rural southwest Virginia, associated with the brand new teen girl on the internet from the “catfishing” – acting are people he isn’t. He then drove nationwide to the lady domestic within the Riverside, where the guy murdered their mother and you will grandparents and put flames to help you our home, prior to driving out of toward lady.

His auto was after averted in San Bernardino Condition, in which authorities initial told you he was murdered in an effective shootout which have police, nevertheless San Bernardino State Sheriff’s Company revealed Wednesday which he died out-of a personal-inflicted gunshot wound.

Catfishing a girl, killing the woman family unit members: Into the Virginia cop’s so-called Ca rampage

Cops state a policeman out-of Virginia went on a horrifying rampage Tuesday in the Riverside, catfishing a teen woman, next killing their mommy and you will grand-parents.

The 3 relatives slain was in fact recognized as Mark Winek, 69, a long time basketball and you can softball coach in the Arlington Senior school; their wife, Sharie Winek, 65, a faithful mom and grandma; as well as their child, Brooke Winek, 38, just one mother of a couple teenage females – including the lady manipulated of the Edwards. All of them resided along with her from the Riverside household.

“It horrific experiences already been which have the incorrect on the internet relationship anywhere between a predator and you can a young child,” Michelle Blandin said by way of rips Wednesday, the only thriving child away from Draw and you can Sharie Winek. “The guy got a keen oath to protect, yet he didn’t do it. Alternatively, the guy preyed towards the really insecure.”

The brand new Virginia officer whom arrived at Wineks’ house Friday had accomplished law enforcement academy earlier this seasons, centered on Virginia police, together with started freshly hired since the a patrol deputy having an excellent county Sheriff’s Place of work just 10 weeks ahead of their rampage in Riverside.

If you find yourself Blandin said that Edwards tried to kidnap this lady relative, Riverside police authorities said they are not yet , outlining this new interaction as the an enthusiastic abduction, since they’re nevertheless combing through bodily and you may electronic facts, seeking know if or not she was coerced otherwise endangered to track down towards Edwards’ vehicle.

However, Riverside police representative Ryan Railsback told you there’s absolutely no indication new adolescent girl are mixed up in killings otherwise fire. He said the teenager moved on automobile that have Edwards since the our house had been ablaze.

“Within this tragic moment of one’s family, the grief, we hope some goodwill come from which dating thai women,” Blandin told you. “Parents, please, excite learn your child’s on the internet craft. Ask questions on what these are typically starting and who he or she is talking to; anybody can state these include other people. . If something like that it horrifying catastrophe may seem within all of our area within people, it does happens anywhere.”