After the girl and the man were found hours later, the man was shot to death in a shooting incident involving deputy-involved officers.

A man was accused of catfishing a teenager girl and he allegedly killed her mother and grandparents in a triple-homicide just after Thanksgiving. He then died in an officer-involved shooting hours later.

Riverside police say officers responded to a welfare call on a young woman who appeared to be in distress while she was getting into a Red Kia Soul around 11am Friday. The Riverside Fire Department arrived on the scene first, after a nearby fire had been reported.

They found three adult victims inside the entrance to the burning house. It was determined that the victims were victims of an apparent murder after they pulled the bodies out. Later, the victims were identified as Mark Winek, a 69-year old man, and Sharie Winek 65-years-old ( beneath left), with Brooke Winek, 38 ( underneath right).

Brooke's teenage girl was later identified as Brooke and the welfare check was issued for her. The man she was seen with was 28-year old Austin Lee Edwards from Virginia. According to police, Edwards was most recently employed by the Virginia State Police in Virginia and Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Riverside Police Department's press release stated that Edwards met the teen online and "catfish" her, pretending to be another person as they spoke. Edwards allegedly had an online relationship and obtained the teenager's personal information. According to police, he drove from Virginia to Riverside and parked his car in the driveway of a neighbor. He then walked to the home of the teen."

Authorities believe that he then killed the three relatives of the teen before leaving the home with the girl. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department saw Edwards driving alongside the teen and before he "fired gunshots" at deputies. He was later declared dead at the scene after a "deputy-involved" shooting.

The shooting did not cause any injuries to the girl and she was taken into protective custody.

Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez released a statement saying that his heart went out to the Winek family, their loved ones and during this time of great grief. This is another shocking reminder of online predators who prey upon our children. Have you had a conversation about how to keep your children safe online? To better protect your children, have a conversation with them about how to be safe online and on social media.

It is still unclear what caused the Wineks to die. Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, police stated that it appeared to have been intentionally ignited.

According to Virginia State Police, Edwards entered the academy in July 2021 and graduated as a trooper in January 20, 222. He resigned from Henrico County in October after he was assigned. His resignation was not disclosed.

The Washington County Virginia Sheriff's Office issued a statement Monday morning confirming that he had been hired on November 16th and that he had just started orientation to be assigned in the patrol division.

"Past employers" and the Virginia State Police were contacted in the hiring process. However, they did not disclose any problems, reprimands or internal investigations pertaining Edwards to them. They said that they are assisting Riverside PD with this investigation.

"It's shocking that such a wicked and evil person could infiltrate law enforcers while hiding his true identity as computer predator and murderer," stated Washington County Sheriff Blake Andis. "Our thoughts, prayers, and best wishes go out to the Winek family, their loved ones, officers, as well as all those who were affected by this horrible crime."

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Title: Teen's Mom, Grandparents Murdered by Police Trooper Who Catfished Her Online, Say Authorities
Sourced From: toofab.com/2022/11/28/riverside-triple-homicide-catfish-austin-lee-edwards/
Published Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2022 16:18:40 +0000

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