Murrieta, CA – A 36-year-old man has been charged with homicide and attempted homicide following an attack on an elderly couple in their home. Manuel Alvarez is accused of entering the residence early Wednesday morning and attacking both victims.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., the couple was violently confronted with the husband, aged 70, being stabbed with a knife. The wife suffered serious injuries after being stabbed in the head with a screwdriver.
The woman called 911, reporting that she feared for her husband’s life. She described the suspect as a man with a beard and mustache, wearing black clothing and barefoot.
Law enforcement arrived at the scene and rendered assistance to the woman, who was later taken to the hospital in stable condition. The husband was pronounced dead at the scene.
A search for the suspect began shortly after the attack. Just before 9 a.m., officers located Alvarez hiding in a nearby ravine, where he refused commands to come out.
A police K-9 was deployed and successfully apprehended Alvarez. He was treated for injuries sustained during the arrest before being booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
Neighbors expressed shock over the violence, noting that the area is usually quiet. Reports indicate Alvarez had not been medically cleared to appear in court as of Friday.
Detectives are investigating the case and believe the attack was random in nature, stemming from an unlocked door. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed.