Woman Who Was Slain By Samurai Sword In Temple City Identified

TEMPLE CITY, CA — A woman who was fatally stabbed with a samurai sword on Wednesday in Temple City was identified as 40-year-old resident, Diane Alcaron. Alarcon died at the scene, the coroner's office reported. One other was wounded in the attack, taken to the hospital and later released according to sheriff reports.

The intruder, 44-year-old Johnny Ralph Perales of Temple City who was armed with a samurai sword, was later taken into custody.

The woman was first attacked with a wrench, then stabbed once in the lower body with an ornamental samurai sword that was in the home, according to sheriff statements.

The attack occurred just after 12 p.m. Wednesday in the 6000 block of Temple City Boulevard, Sheriff's Information Bureau Deputy Trina Schrader said.

"The woman's companion, who had been sitting inside the home with her when the suspect entered, tried to stop the attack, but the suspect struck him several times with the sword," Schrader said. "The suspect then ran out the front door."

The 42-year-old companion also suffered a stab wound during the attack was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released, Schrader said. The woman's 10-year-old son was home at the time but escaped injury, according to reports from the scene.

The 44-year-old suspect, whose name was not yet released, may have been on drugs and lived on the same street, sheriff's Lt. John Corina said. After deputies contained the area, the suspect emerged from between two houses.

"He surrendered without further incident," Schrader said. "It is believed the suspect and the female victim knew each other, but it is still unclear at this time why the suspect attacked the victims."

The sword and wrench were recovered at the scene.

The suspect was taken to a hospital for treatment of a minor puncture wound and was later booked at the sheriff's Temple Station on suspicion of murder.

Patch File Photo: Renee Schiavone