A horrifying incident unfolded at Santa Monica Beach on July 31, 2023, at around 2:07 pm, when Santa Monica Police Officers responded to a distressing 9-1-1 call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon in the 2000 block of the beach. The officers discovered a single victim, a 27-year-old male, on the east side of the beach restrooms, suffering from at least one stab wound to his chest.
According to witnesses present at the scene, an argument erupted between the victim and the suspect in the breezeway adjacent to the men's restrooms. In a shocking turn of events, the suspect repeatedly stabbed the victim in the torso and chest.
Upon arrival, the officers found the victim unconscious and immediately provided him with aid. They performed CPR until the fire department arrived and rushed the victim to a local hospital. Tragically, despite their efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries. The identity of the victim is being withheld until his family can be notified.
The suspect, identified as Juan Evarastico Bahena, was apprehended by witnesses and remained in the vicinity when officers arrived. Witnesses positively identified him as the perpetrator of the stabbing. Officers believe they located the weapon used in the attack inside the suspect's backpack.
Bahena, currently experiencing homelessness, was subsequently arrested for murder and booked into the Santa Monica Jail.
The Santa Monica Police Department's Investigations Division is actively working on the case and urges anyone with information about the crime or the suspect to come forward. They can contact the Investigations Division during business hours at (310) 458-8451 or the Watch Commander 24-hours at (310) 458-8427.
As the Santa Monica community grapples with the shock and grief of this tragic incident, authorities continue to seek answers and justice for the victim and his loved ones. Updates on the investigation will be provided as the case unfolds.