Homeless Man Sentenced To 12 Years For 2020 Stabbing In Reed Park

SANTA MONICA, CA — A homeless man who stabbed another unhoused person in Reed Park in 2020 was sentenced to 12 years in prison last week, authorities announced Friday.

Gunnar Zausniewski was convicted of attempted murder, mayhem and assault with a deadly weapon in Santa Monica on July 3, and his sentencing was scheduled for July 28, the Santa Monica Police Department said.

In August 2020, officers responded to a call at Reed Park about what seemed to be an unhoused man brandishing a large knife, SMPD said. Officers arrived at the park just in time to see Zausniewski stab someone who was sleeping on the ground and running away.

Police pursued Zausniewski on foot for a short while before taking him into custody.

The victim was a 29-year-old man who was also experiencing homelessness, SMPD said. After the attack, the victim was taken to a hospital with severe injuries but survived.

"The apprehension and conviction of this individual was the result of the excellent work of patrol officers who not only caught the suspect but also rendered aid to the victim," SMPD said in a statement.