Karl Lee Bernardo, 50, was found dead inside a tent at Mercy Canyon in Redding, California, on October 19, 2021. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds; investigators reported he was shot six times in the head and died at the scene.

Redding police arrested 19-year-old Alejandro Nunez Armstrong in connection with the killing. Authorities say Armstrong confessed, saying he had no prior relationship with Bernardo, had been drinking vodka, left his apartment with two stolen guns and then felt an urge to kill someone when he reached the Mercy Canyon trail. Officers searched Armstrong’s apartment near the scene and recovered five guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. He was booked into the Shasta County Jail on a murder charge and scheduled for arraignment on October 28, 2021.

The slaying was described as random and senseless and drew attention to violence against people experiencing homelessness in the area. Many questions about motive remain unanswered. If anyone knew Karl Bernardo or saw activity near Mercy Canyon on October 19, 2021, please come forward with information.