Investigators Seek Public's Help in Spring Valley Assault Case

Homicide detectives with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department believe there could be more victims and witnesses connected to a series of assaults in Spring Valley, one of which left a man dead. Investigators are reaching out to the public for help with the case. 

An adult and a juvenile have been jailed on suspicion of assaulting victims by hitting them in the head with a skateboard. Javier Garcia, 18, and a 17-year-old male are charged with assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury and attempted robbery. They are scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in El Cajon Superior Court. 

The suspects' arrests came after Daniel Sparks, 61, was found injured in the street with a bleeding head wound about 7 p.m Jan. 14 near the intersection of Gillespie Drive and Frederick Street, according to authorities. Sparks was treated at a hospital and released, and then found unconscious in the 9000 block of Jamacha Road three days later. He was hospitalized again, but died the next day.

Authorities believe Sparks was attacked by two young males. According to sheriff's homicide Lt. Glenn Giannantonio, the suspects were identified after the investigation into the attack led to the discovery of two more assaults in the area where two other victims were struck in the head with a skateboard.

Anyone with information about these attacks is urged to contact authorities. Investigators are seeking the public's help to identify victims and witnesses to the crimes of assault or attempted robbery in the 800 block of Gillespie Drive, 500 block of Sweetwater Road, and 9000 block of Jamacha Road, as well as the surrounding areas.

Tipsters can call the Sheriff's Homicide Division at 858-974‐2321 during business hours, and the non‐emergency line at 858-565‐5200 after hours.