The California Family Allegedly Murdered By A Catfishing Ex-Cop

Police were alerted to Edward's activities when an alarmed neighbor saw a man in a black trench coat and mask park his vehicle in their driveway (via CBS Los Angeles). The anonymous witness saw Edwards with a barefoot and crying teenage girl. Before they got into his vehicle she reprimanded him for parking in front of their house. After Edwards apologized and sped away, the witness called the police.

A separate call was made later to the fire department, who were called to a nearby house where the young girl's family was found dead. Responders determined that the deceased inside were victims of homicide, but have not yet released the cause of death.

Following an investigation into Edwards' relationship with the young girl, police discovered that the ex-trooper had created a fake profile online to talk to the teen. Known as catfishing, predators often create fake personas to lure young people into giving away personal information or photos. Through their conversations, Edwards seems to have acquired her address and then driven across the country to find her.

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