By Jorge Casuso

May 21, 2024 -- A homeless man on probation was charged Tuesday with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in Sunday's stabbings of two German tourists in Downtown Santa Monica.

In addition to the two individual counts, the LA County District Attorney's Office alleged that the defendant, Larry Ameyal Cedeno, 29, "both used a knife and also caused great bodily injury to the victims."

If convicted as charged, the maximum sentence is life in state prison, according to the prosecutor's office.

“I want to express our deepest sympathies to the victims of this violent crime,” District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement Tuesday.

“This violent behavior not only affects the immediate victims, but also affects the sense of safety and security within our community, especially among those visiting from other areas.

"Our office is committed to seeking justice for the victims and ensuring the offender is held accountable,” Gascón said.

SMPD officers who responded to the scene determined Cedeno assaulted three individuals at around 8 p.m. on the 1500 block of 4th Street "in an unprovoked incident," said Meysha Morrison, a Police Department spokesperson.

The officers immediately began CPR on the first victim while additional officers located the suspect, who "was detained and arrested a short time later," Morrison said.

Both victims were hospitalized, with one of them in critical but stable condition, officials said.

According to an update by police officials Tuesday, "The two individuals who were stabbed have been identified as German tourists who are not related to each other."

"As is standard practice for the busy summer months, the Santa Monica Police Department will be increasing foot patrols in the downtown, beach, and surrounding areas," police officials said.

Cedeno, who is on probation for larceny, is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Department 30 of the Airport Courthouse.

The DA's Office is recommending a bail of $2.155 million.

Anyone with information related to this incident should email Detective Burciaga at George.Burciaga@santamonica.gov or call the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.