SANTA MONICA—On Sunday morning, August 1, the Santa Monica Police Department responded to an “unknown trouble call” and is now requesting the public’s assistance in obtaining any information about the fatal disturbance.
According to the press release, the incident occurred at 8:03 a.m. on the 1905 block of Pico Boulevard at The Manor, an adult residential facility.
Allegedly, 55-year-old Hispanic male, Rigoberto Ruiz, was the suspect involved in a fatal stabbing resulting in the death of one victim who was a resident of The Manor facility during the time of the incident.
Reportedly, Ruiz was a resident of another “affiliated facility” on the 2000 block of Pico.
He was later arrested upon police arrival.
The name of the victim has not been released; however, authorities noted that the victim was a 61-year-old white female.
The motives of this homicide remain fairly unknown; therefore, the SMPD is asking anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact Sgt. Robert Almada at 310-458-8486, Investigator Dan Larios at 310-458-8937, or the SMPD’s general 24-hour phone line at 310-458-8495.
Those who wish to remain anonymous about the situation can contact the WeTip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or submit the tip online at wetip.com to be eligible for a reward that could amount up to $1K in funds if the information provided “leads to an arrest and conviction,” as stated by Sgt. Jay Trisler.
As detailed in the release, locals will also be qualified to receive a financial reward by contacting Crime Stoppers or sending a text message to 800- 222-TIPS. Visit their website online at lacrimestoppers.org for more detailed info.
Ruiz has been booked for murder and probation violation; however, will not be eligible for bail, according to Sgt. Trisler.
