Authorities in Colorado say a man with a history of violent crime is now in custody on suspicion of killing three homeless individuals near a Denver rail station.

Police reports indicate the victims, 39-year-old Nicole Boston, 39-year-old Jerome Coronado, and 45-year-old Christopher Zamudio, were all killed around Aug. 9 in the area of South Broadway and East Ohio Avenue.

According to the Denver Post, 38-year-old Maurice Butler was arrested several days later and is being held at Denver County Jail without bond ahead of his next court appearance in connection with the shooting deaths.

He was first arrested on suspicion of a parole violation and possessing a controlled substance.

Among Butler’s previous convictions include drug offenses and violent thefts. He has previously been sentenced to 10 years behind bars in three unrelated convictions.

His first conviction came 20 years ago and resulted in four years behind bars for theft.

Records indicate he was then arrested twice on suspicion of dealing drugs. In both cases, he pleaded to a lesser count of drug possession in exchange for a three-year prison sentence.

The suspect is believed to have known at least two of the three individuals killed last month month. Investigators believe he selected the victims intentionally.

A passerby discovered the bodies in a wooded area near a parking lot and alerted law enforcement.

[Featured image: Maurice Butler, Denver Police Department]