Introduction to the Case
An Inglewood man was charged Monday after he was accused of murdering two men and trying to kill another after meeting the victims on an online dating app, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Monday.
The Accused and His Crimes
Rockim Prowell, 34, killed Miguel Angel King, 51, on July 20, 2021 after the two men talked on an online dating app, the district attorney’s office said. Investigators believe Prowell shot King to death and stole his car. King’s vehicle, which contained forensic evidence linking Prowell, was later found a few days later near the suspect’s home. King’s remains were found nearly a month later in the Angeles National Forest.
Further Investigations and Arrests
Then two years later in 2023, Prowell was believed to have met Robert Gutierrez, 53, after connecting on the same online dating app. Gutierrez’s family reported him missing two days later. While Gutierrez’s remains have not been located, investigators found his car in Prowell’s garage and arrested him. It appears Prowell was not charged with Gutierrez’s murder then. Fast forward to February 2025, Prowell connected with a 40-year-old man on the same dating app. After meeting in person, authorities said, Prowell tied up the victim and beat him with a baseball bat. When the victim tried to escape, Prowell chased him down in a car, struck him and broke his leg, the district attorney’s office said.
Past Encounters with the Law
Beverly Hills police released Rockim Prowell’s pictures in 2021 when he was arrested for residential burglaries. By the time the first alleged murder happened, Prowell already had a brush with the law: He was charged in a series of residential burglaries in Southern California, wearing a mask with hair to steal flat-screen TVs and other items. He was arrested for the burglaries on April 20, 2021 in Beverly Hills. That means three months after his arrest, Prowell allegedly committed the murder of King, his first known victim.
Convictions and Sentencing
The district attorney’s office told NBC Los Angeles that Prowell was convicted in two burglary cases. With one of the cases, Prowell was given two years in probation. For another case, he received 180 days in jail and two years in probation. “These were predatory acts that showed a total disregard of life,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said. “This suspect has now been stopped in his tracks because of the diligent and tenacious work done by investigators at both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.”
Current Status
Prowell was scheduled to be arraigned Monday.
Conclusion
The case of Rockim Prowell highlights the dangers of online interactions, especially on dating apps. It also showcases the importance of diligent investigative work by law enforcement agencies. The community can hope that justice will be served, and such heinous crimes will be prevented in the future.
FAQs
Q: Who is Rockim Prowell?
A: Rockim Prowell is a 34-year-old man from Inglewood accused of murdering two men and attempting to kill another after meeting them on an online dating app.
Q: What were the circumstances of the murders?
A: The victims were allegedly murdered after meeting Prowell on a dating app. One victim was shot and killed, another is missing but his car was found in Prowell’s garage, and the third victim was beaten and chased down by Prowell.
Q: Did Prowell have any past encounters with the law?
A: Yes, Prowell was arrested and convicted for a series of residential burglaries in Southern California before the alleged murders took place.
Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: Prowell was charged and scheduled to be arraigned. The community awaits the outcome of the trial, hoping for justice to be served.
