Virginia cop 'catfished' teen before murders, police say

  

Riverside homicides: Virginia cop 'catfished' teen before murders, police say  https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/authorities-kill-suspect-connected-to-triple-homicide-in-riverside-in-shootout/

 The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department killed the suspect wanted in a gruesome triple homicide in Riverside after he opened fire on a SWAT team Friday.

According to authorities, on Friday, Nov. 25, deputies spotted 28-year-old Austin Lee Edwards driving a red Kia Soul south on Highway 247. Aircraft tracked Edwards until SWAT units could get in place. The planes followed Edwards onto Highway 62 and ultimately Kelso Cima Road before the deputies could get in position.

When the team intercepted the vehicle, Edwards continued to drive away, shooting at deputies as he tried to flee. 

Austin Edwards, 28, is accused of murdering three people in Riverside on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. Riverside PD

He lost control of the car when he drove off the road. Shortly after the crash, Edwards exited the car and pointed his gun toward a sheriff's helicopter. Deputies shot Edwards. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Edwards was accused of murdering 69-year-old Mark Winek, 65-year-old Sharie Winek and 38-year-old Brooke Winek at their home, located on Price Court in Riverside.

He is also accused of taking a teenage girl, believed to be 15 years old, after murdering the three people. Riverside Police said Monday morning it was not an official case of kidnapping.