An elderly homeless man was murdered in Westminster

WESTMINSTER, Calif. -On January 5, 2024, at 3:38 PM, Westminster Police responded to a church located in the 13500 block of Goldenwest Street to conduct a welfare check on an unresponsive adult male laying on the ground.

Police officers found the man, later identified as Stephen Smallwood, deceased and with obvious signs of trauma consistent with a homicide. Westminster Police Detectives and the Forensic Services Unit were called to the scene and are assisting with the investigation. No suspects have been located at this time. Smallwood previously resided in Westminster and had been homeless since 2020.

Deputy Chief of Police Cameron Knauerhaze stated, “We are hoping by releasing the victim’s photo to the media witnesses will come forward and assist us in this case. Smallwood was known to frequent the area where he was located, as well as, the United States Post Office located at 13761 Goldenwest Street. Some witnesses state he was last seen alive as late as January 4th in that same area.”

Anyone with information is urged to call the Westminster Police Department Detective Bureau to speak with Detective Jonathan Figueroa at 714-548-3783, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or by logging on to www.occrimestoppers.org. Callers can remain anonymous.