Transient Arrested in Five Slayings in Koreatown

Police arrested a transient Tuesday in the investigation of the killings of five homeless men in the Koreatown district.

Joseph Danks, 26, a native of Michigan, was arrested after a witness reported that he saw Danks attacking another man, Police Chief Daryl F. Gates told a news conference.

Danks was booked at Parker Center and held for investigation of murder in the five slayings and two attempted murders.

The circumstances of the alleged assault that occurred Tuesday, along with statements from Danks and recovery of a knife, led police to believe that they had captured the man responsible for the recent slayings and assaults, Gates said.

The witness followed Danks from the 300 block of South Western Avenue, where the suspect allegedly committed a murder Tuesday, to Beverly Boulevard and Gramercy Place, then hailed a police car for help, Gates said. Danks was arrested at about noon in the Wilshire District.

Police have not confirmed Danks’ identity. But he told them he is a transient from Michigan and has been in the Los Angeles area since late last year.

Danks has been linked to transient murders in the Rampart and Wilshire areas, Gates said. Although there are some differences in the stabbing cases, there are enough similarities to link them to the same killer, the chief said.

Police believe the suspect is responsible for the deaths of the following victims:

- Christopher Michael Forsblade, 40, who died Jan. 5 or 6 at 6th Street and Vermont Avenue.

- Isaac Davis, 58, in the 900 block of South Menlo Avenue, Jan. 14.

- John Charles Coble, 55, in the 2800 block of West 9th Street, Jan. 14.

- John Doe No. 19, about 43 years old, in the 3000 block of West 8th Street, Jan. 16.

- An unidentified man, about 50 years old, killed about noon Tuesday in the 300 block of South Western Avenue.

Danks also is suspected of attacking and trying to kill Almond Lord, 64, in the 800 block of South Kenmore Avenue, on Sunday; and James Lyons, 58, at 6th Street and Manhattan Place, at about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

A previous suspect, Christopher John Riegel, 34, who was arrested last Thursday, was released, Gates said.