L.A. masked bandit turned suspected serial killer in custody for killing two men and torturing a third man he met on dating apps

On September 8, 2025, Los Angeles authorities charged Rockim Prowell, a 34-year-old man from Inglewood, California, with two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, and multiple other felonies. He allegedly lured victims through online dating apps and subjected them to violent attacks.

Before these incidents, Prowell, who is Black, was on probation for a series of burglaries committed between 2019 and 2021 in the Beverly Hills and Los Angeles areas. During these burglaries, he allegedly wore an eerie prosthetic mask with a wig to disguise his identity and make him appear as if he were of a different race. Police reportedly found the mask while investigating these crimes.

Prowell’s alleged murders

Also in 2021, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office alleged Prowell met 51-year-old Miguel Angel King through a dating app. Prosecutors believe that during their meeting, Prowell fatally shot King and stole his car. King’s vehicle was found several miles from Prowell’s home, and forensic evidence linked Prowell to the slaying. King’s remains were discovered in the Angeles National Forest on August 14, 2021. 

Then, according to the L.A. County DA, in August 2023, Prowell met 53-year-old Robert Gutierrez through the same dating app. Gutierrez was reported missing two days later, and his body has not been found. However, investigators discovered Gutierrez’s car in Prowell’s garage, leading to further charges against him.

The torture survivor

Finally, in February 2025, Prowell allegedly met a 40-year-old man through that same dating app and arranged to meet him in person. Prosecutors claim that during their meeting, Prowell bound the victim, stole his wallet, and beat him with a baseball bat. The victim managed to escape but was chased by Prowell, who struck him with his vehicle, breaking the victim’s leg. 

Prowell faces multiple charges, including two counts of murder with the special circumstance allegation of multiple murders, and one count of attempted murder. If convicted as charged, he faces the death penalty or life imprisonment. A decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made at a later date.

Referring to the case, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said, “Imagine the terror and horror these victims felt after being duped into believing they were meeting for one reason, only to face inexplicable violence. These were predatory acts,” that showed a total disregard for life. “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,” Hochman said.