The Los Angeles Police Department has arrested a 57-year-old man accused of killing three Los Angeles residents during an altercation inside a Hollywood-area apartment.
According to the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division, Jeremiah Badeker, Jack Cartegena and Michael Bogacz were killed in the early morning hours of July 24, 2026.
Police said the suspect and the three victims were gathered inside an apartment in the 1900 block of Wilcox Avenue in Los Angeles when an altercation occurred.
During the confrontation, investigators allege the suspect ordered the victims to the floor at gunpoint.
While the three men were lying on the floor, police said the suspect shot them numerous times.
The victims were not discovered until several days later, when they were found deceased inside the apartment.
The deaths prompted an investigation by LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division as detectives worked to identify the person responsible.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
Investigators identified the suspect as 57-year-old Patrick Kevin Spurlock.
On Aug. 14, 2026, LAPD officers arrested Spurlock in the 6600 block of Franklin Avenue in Los Angeles.
Police booked him on suspicion of murder under California Penal Code section 187(a).
Spurlock was booked at the LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center under booking number 7298395 and is being held with no bail, according to the department.
The case has since been presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
The investigation remains active as detectives work to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the killings.
Authorities have not publicly released additional information about what triggered the altercation or explained what relationship, if any, existed between Spurlock and the three victims.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
The case raises questions about what happened inside the Wilcox Avenue apartment before the shooting and what led the confrontation to turn deadly.
According to investigators, the three victims were allegedly ordered to the floor at gunpoint before being shot multiple times.
The fact that the victims were not discovered until several days after the alleged killings also adds another unanswered element to the investigation.
Detectives will likely continue examining evidence from the apartment, interviewing potential witnesses and reviewing any information that could establish a detailed timeline of events.
The arrest provides investigators with a suspect in custody, but prosecutors must still determine what charges will formally be filed.
A cautious view is that the allegations released by police represent the preliminary account of the investigation, and an arrest is not the same as a conviction. Authorities have not publicly disclosed all of the evidence supporting the allegations, nor have they explained the circumstances that preceded the confrontation inside the apartment. The District Attorney's Office will review the case before deciding how to proceed, and Spurlock remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will review the case and determine whether criminal charges should be formally filed against Spurlock.
Meanwhile, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division detectives are continuing their investigation into the deaths of Badeker, Cartegena and Bogacz.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information about the incident or the events surrounding the killings to come forward.
Anyone with additional information can contact Robbery-Homicide Division detectives at 213-486-6890.
During non-business hours or weekends, callers can contact 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).
Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).
Tipsters may also use the P3 Tips mobile application and select the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers program.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- What triggered the altercation inside the apartment?
- What was the relationship between Spurlock and the three victims?
- Why were the victims not discovered until several days after the alleged shooting?
- What evidence led detectives to identify Spurlock?
- Was anyone else inside the apartment when the shootings occurred?
- What weapon was allegedly used?
- Will the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office file formal murder charges?
- Were there any witnesses to the shooting?
- What additional evidence could emerge as the investigation continues?
Case Information
Suspect: Patrick Kevin Spurlock, 57 Victims: Jeremiah Badeker, Jack Cartegena and Michael Bogacz Incident Date: July 24, 2026 Location: 1900 block of Wilcox Avenue, Los Angeles Arrest Date: Aug. 14, 2026 Arrest Location: 6600 block of Franklin Avenue Charge: Murder, Penal Code 187(a) Booking: 7298395 Bail: No bail Investigating Agency: LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division Case Status: Presented to Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration