July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Potential Serial Killer Faces Possible Death Penalty

Charges against Ramon Escobar filed by Santa Monica and Los Angeles police.

By Sam Catanzaro

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) have filed murder and attempted murder charges against Ramon Escobar, the suspect believed to responsible for a series of violent assaults in Santa Monica and Los Angeles.

“Escobar faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or death if convicted as charged. A decision will be made at a later date on whether to seek the death penalty,” said the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office in a press release.

On Wednesday, September 26, SMPD and LAPD detectives presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney three counts of Murder and five counts Attempted Murder against the 49-year old Escobar. The criteria for somebody to be labeled a serial killer is three or more victims. Four of Escobar’s crimes, including one murder, occurred in Santa Monica.

“He also faces special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and murder during the commission of a robbery, making him eligible for the death penalty,” Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office says.

In addition, the Houston Police Department (HPD) believe Escobar may be responsible for the late August disappearance of his two relatives, Dina and Rogelio Escobar. After questioned by HPD detectives on August 30, Escobar fled Texas for California.

Soon after arriving in Los Angeles, Escobar is believed to have committed the first two Santa Monica attacks. Both of these attacks occurred on Santa Monica Beach to sleeping homeless victims.

“On September 8, at around 6:45 a.m., a male victim was discovered in the 1800 block of the beach suffering significant head trauma. The injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma,” reads an SMPD press release.

Ramon Escobar. Photo: Courtesy

Two nights later, police believe Escobar is responsible for another attack on a homeless man at the same beach. The injuries were again consistent with blunt force head trauma. While the first victim has been discharged from the hospital, the second victim remains hospitalized in critical condition in a coma.

In working closely together, the LAPD and the SMPD believe that Escobar traveled to Downtown Los Angeles and is responsible for the September 16 murders of 59-year-old Kelvin Williams and 24-year-old Branden Ridout. Both Williams and Ridout were homeless and suffered blunt force trauma injuries to the head. Both attacks took place on Flower Street at night. In addition, the LAPD believes Escobar attacked that night a third man found with severe injuries to the head.

Four nights later, Escobar is believed to have returned to Santa Monica and murder Steven Ray Cruze. Cruze’s deceased body was found underneath the Santa Monica Pier at 6:45 a.m. on September 20 with blunt force trauma injuries to the head.

On September 24, another homeless male victim was discovered with blunt force trauma to the head on the 1500 block of 7th Street, and while searching the area, SMPD personnel located and arrested Escobar on the 500 block of Broadway.

Despite the fact that many of the victims were homeless, LAPD Captain William Hayes says that detectives do not believe Escobar targeted the victims because they were homeless.

“It does not appear that it was directed at any specific group. I think it was a crime of opportunity,” Hayes said. “It appears the motive in most of these cases was robbery.

Escobar’s criminal history includes a two-year stint in a Texas prison for burglary in the mid-’90s. In November of 2017, Escobar was arrested by Houston police officers for assault and again in February of 2018 for criminal trespassing. In addition, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Escobar has been deported six times to El Salvador since 1988.

Deputy District Attorney Victor Avila of the Major Crimes Division is prosecuting the case. According to the criminal complaint, Escobar used a baseball bat or blunt object during the alleged crimes.

The case remains under investigation by the LAPD and the SMPD.

Anybody with information relating to this investigation is encouraged to call Detective Leone (310) 458-8949 or Detective Cooper (310) 458-8478.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...