UCLA student sentenced to life

Shawn Laval Smith, a 34-year-old homeless man, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the brutal murder of UCLA graduate student Brianna Kupfer, who was stabbed 46 times in a boutique furniture store on January 13, 2022. Following his conviction for first-degree murder on September 10, 2024, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mildred Escobedo confirmed Smith's sanity at the time of the crime, rejecting his insanity plea. The attack, characterized as premeditated, involved Smith stalking Kupfer and waiting for an opportunity to strike, which was corroborated by security footage and DNA evidence. Emotional testimonies from Kupfer's family highlighted her vibrant personality and the profound loss they feel. The case drew attention not only for its tragedy but also for the chilling audio evidence left at the crime scene, where Smith could be heard before the attack. Prosecutors described Smith's actions as reflective of a deep-seated animosity towards women, marking the case as a grievous example of violence against vulnerable individuals.