Four suspects were behind bars Friday for allegedly beating a man to death two months ago during a fight at Linda Vista Park.
Arrested Wednesday on suspicion of murder in connection with the violent death of 59-year-old Ruben Rimorin were Juan Garcia Alavez, 21, Juan Manuel Lopez, 26, Brian Reyes, 20, and Franklin Joseph Tuell, 21, according to the San Diego Police Department.
We’re digging deeper tonight into a developing story in Linda Vista, where a group of men wanted for killing a 59-year-old man is still on the run tonight. The deadly assault near the recreation center, at the park, off Osler and Ulrich streets. NBC 7’s Adonis Albright has the latest on the investigation.
The San Diego Police Department received a call of an injured and unresponsive man in the 6800 block of Osler Street at about 3:45 a.m. Saturday. Responding officers found Ruben Rimorin on the sidewalk suffering from trauma to his upper body. Paramedics from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department provided medical aid, but Rimorin was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.
It remains unclear what sparked the deadly fight.
Preliminary information indicated that a group of young men confronted Rimorin in the park area of the recreation center, where the altercation broke out that resulted in his death, police said.
People who live in the neighborhood describe it as a quiet and peaceful place to relax and enjoy the park, and that acts of violence have no place there.
“It’s concerning only because I don’t know the reason why. And also just, people shouldn’t get murdered at a park,” said Brandon Pool, a father who lives in Linda Vista.
“It’s a great community out here, that’s why I was surprised,” James Amis, who lives close to the park, told NBC 7 after the slaying. “Because again, most of the people out here are nice. You talk to them, they’re nice.”
Amis said he goes to the park every day, and that the Linda Vista area has seen a lot of change over the years. By his account, not all of it has been bad. He was shocked to hear about the homicide.
“We try and make it nice with the new buildings and new neighborhoods, all the new construction going on, they try to make it nice, to look nice,” Amis said. “But if you don’t take the people that’s not nice out, then what’s going to change?”
The suspects were being held at San Diego Central Jail without bail pending arraignment, scheduled for Friday afternoon.
Anyone with information regarding the attack is encouraged to call San Diego police at 619-531-2293. Tips can also be called in anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.