A fatal stabbing at a beach in Santa Monica led to the arrest of a man on Monday afternoon. The incident, reported around 2:05 p.m. in the 2000 block of the beach, took place near the public restrooms.
When Santa Monica police officers arrived at the scene, they found an unconscious 27-year-old victim with at least one stab wound to the chest near the beach restrooms. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the man succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses reported hearing an argument between the victim and the suspect beside the men’s restrooms shortly before the attack. They witnessed the suspect, later identified as 48-year-old Juan Evarastico Bahena, stabbing the victim multiple times in the torso and chest.
Bahena, described as homeless, was identified by witnesses and promptly taken into custody at the scene. He has since been booked on suspicion of murder. Authorities believe they found the weapon used in the attack in Bahena’s backpack.
This incident highlights the ongoing public safety concerns prevalent in public spaces. It underscores the urgency to address these issues, particularly in areas that are frequently populated, such as public beaches and restrooms. It also emphasizes the importance of witness cooperation in helping law enforcement swiftly apprehend suspects and bring them to justice.