In a swift decision on Tuesday, a jury convicted Shawn Laval Smith of murdering UCLA grad student Brianna Kupfer during her shift at a furniture store in Hancock Park. Smith, a 34-year-old drifter with a long criminal history, was found guilty of first-degree murder and special circumstances, including lying in wait and using a deadly weapon.

The horrific crime occurred on January 13, 2022, when Smith attacked Kupfer, stabbing her 46 times while she was alone at the Croft House. Prior to the attack, Kupfer had texted a friend expressing her discomfort with Smith, but the friend didn’t see the message in time. About 20 minutes later, a customer found Kupfer badly injured on the store floor.

The trial’s next phase, starting October 2, will determine Smith’s sanity at the time of the crime. Smith, who had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, opted to skip a jury trial for this part. Key evidence included a chilling audio recording on a device Smith left behind, which captured the brutal attack.

After the murder, Smith fled, leaving behind crucial evidence like the knife, sheath, and audio recorder, all covered in his DNA. This evidence, along with other testimonies, led jurors to convict Smith on the most severe charges.

Smith was eventually caught six days later in Pasadena after a massive manhunt. A tip led police to him after a $250,000 reward was offered. At the time, Smith was out on bond for a separate case in South Carolina where he faced charges for firing a flare gun at a vehicle with a child inside.

L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón praised the jury’s work and expressed sympathy for Kupfer’s family, who have shown remarkable strength through this ordeal.