Homeless Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Murder In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — A homeless man was arrested on suspicion of murder Monday afternoon in connection to the death of a man who was stabbed near the Santa Monica Beach restrooms, police said.

Juan Evarastico Bahena was arrested Monday after Santa Monica Police Department officers said multiple witnesses reported seeing him stab a man several times near the men's restroom.

Bahena remained in the area after the incident and was identified by witnesses shortly after. Police said they located the weapon allegedly used in the stabbing in Bahena's backpack.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department, officers got a 911 call at about 2:07 p.m. about an assault with a deadly weapon in the 2000 block of the beach. When officers arrived, they found the 27-year-old victim unconscious with multiple stab wounds.

Witnesses told SMPD that the victim and Bahena briefly argued in the breezeway next to the men's restrooms.

Officers provided first aid and CPR until Fire Department paramedics arrived and transported the man to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead after his arrival at the hospital, according to authorities.

The victim's identity was withheld pending notification of his family, police said.

Anyone who may have additional information was urged to contact the SMPD Investigations Division during business hours at 310-458-8451. For after-hours calls, the Watch Commander is available 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.