A dead man who appeared to have been killed by blunt force trauma to the head was found Sunday morning, June 3, in the 1500 block of Palisades Park, near the Camera Obscura building on Ocean Avenue near the base of the Pier.
Santa Monica Police officers responded at approximately 8:00 a.m. and found the 37-year-old Caucasian lying on a park bench adjacent to the Senior Citizen Center with blood on his face; they determined that the subject was dead. “Although this is an ongoing murder investigation,” said SMPD Lt. Alex Padilla, “it appears that the victim had died as a result of blunt force trauma that he received to his head. It is unknown how long the victim had been dead prior to being discovered,” he added.
Police said that the victim is believed to be homeless. Although he was carrying identification, his identity is not being released pending the notification of next of kin.
As of midday Monday, June 4, police have no suspect information. They add: “Anyone having information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Robbery/Homicide Detail of the Santa Monica Police Department at 310.458.8451 or the Watch Commander’s Office at 310.458.8427. Callers who wish to provide anonymous information may also call the WeTip national hotline at 1.800.78.CRIME (27463). Callers with information leading to an arrest and conviction may become eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.”
