California Man Accused of Luring and Murdering Two Men Through Dating App, Attempting Third

He lured them through the dating app, robbed and brutally killed them. Predatory Attacks Unfolded After Victims Met Suspect on Unnamed Dating App

Source: https://www.foxla.com/news/rockim-prowell-california-dating-app-murders-inglewood

Introduction

Online dating and meeting people no longer resemble what they once were; it’s so obvious even birds on a branch would know. Dating apps sprout like mushrooms after rain. We all understand that profiles are embellished, truths are hidden, or twisted to present oneself in a better light.

But what 34-year-old Rockim Prowell from Inglewood, California, allegedly committed transcends deception; it constitutes a new level of atrocity, criminality, and malice.

On September 8, 2025, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that Prowell is charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, all following meetings orchestrated via an online dating app.

He also faces charges of two carjackings, two burglaries, and one assault with a deadly weapon. If convicted, Prowell could face death or life without parole. da.lacounty.gov

Details of the Crimes

First Murder (July 20, 2021)

Miguel Angel King, aged 51, met with Prowell after chatting on an unnamed dating app. Prowell allegedly shot him and stole his car. King’s vehicle was discovered more than a week later, several miles from Prowell’s home; forensic evidence linked Prowell to the crime. King’s remains were found in the Angeles National Forest on August 14, 2021. People.com

Second Victim (August 21, 2023)

Robert Gutierrez, 53, met Prowell near his home after connecting on the same app. Two days later, Gutierrez was reported missing. His body has never been found, but investigators discovered his car in Prowell’s garage when he was arrested, along with additional evidence linking him to Gutierrez’s disappearance. People.com

Attempted Murder (February 22, 2025)

Prowell allegedly lured a 40-year-old man, connected via the same app, to a meeting just four miles from his home. He tied the victim up, beat him with a baseball bat, and stole his wallet. The victim escaped, but Prowell chased and struck him with a vehicle, breaking his leg. People.com

The only source to name the victim is the New York Post, which claims it is a man named Jordan Andrews, 40 years old.

Additional Background

Prowell was already on probation for a string of burglaries committed in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles between 2019 and 2021. During those crimes, he allegedly donned a prosthetic mask and wig to disguise himself.

Authorities now say he may be tied to up to 30 burglaries. New York Post

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-AuHOnNjOE

Legal Status and Prosecutorial Response

He’s charged with two counts of murder (with special circumstances for multiple murders), one count of attempted murder, two counts of carjacking, two counts of second-degree burglary, and one count of assault with a deadly weapon. ABC News

He is being held on $2 million bail. If convicted, he faces either the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman described the attacks as predatory and beyond comprehension, lamenting the victims’ terror and horror at being duped into believing they were meeting for innocent reasons. ABC News

Community and Family Reactions

Residents of Inglewood are stunned to learn that a familiar local facing burglary charges might be behind these heinous murders and assaults. Families of the victims expressed hope for justice and are relieved that the suspect is now in custody.

The community recognizes the cruelty of such crimes, where trust was betrayed by violent deception. New York Post

Broader Context: Dangers of Dating Apps

This case sparks a crucial conversation about safety in the world of online dating. Millions in the U.S. use dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, or Grindr seeking genuine connections, but sometimes, predators exploit these platforms to target vulnerable individuals. Experts warn that such apps can become hunting grounds for malicious actors.

A recent study at Brigham Young University found that approximately 14% of reported rapes happened after a first meeting arranged through a dating app, with men nearly twice as likely to be victims. The study also noted that these assaults tend to be especially brutal, with perpetrators often targeting emotionally or physically vulnerable individuals. Los Angeles Times

Conclusion & Reader Advisory

Authorities nationwide encourage extreme caution when using dating apps:

• Always meet in public, well-populated places

• Avoid disclosing personal information early

• Watch for inconsistencies or red flags in profiles

• Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it likely is

No opportunity, be it for love, friendship, or connection, is worth jeopardizing your safety. The tragic case of Rockim Prowell should remind us all that vigilance can save lives.

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