By Lookout Staff

September 6, 2024 -- Police are searching for a suspect in the fatal stabbing of a homeless man whose body was found near Reed Park early Friday morning.

Officers responded to a call at around 6:30 a.m. reporting "a person on the ground" near the 1100 block of 6th Street, said Lt. Erika Aklufi, the Police Department spokesperson.

"The coroner completed their investigation at the scene about 1 p.m. and took custody of the victim," Aklufi said.

The coroner will identify the victim, who is believed to be homeless, and notify his family, according to police.

"There will continue to be a strong police presence in the area" as detectives investigate the homicide, Aklufi said.

"Our team is working diligently to identify the suspect(s)," she added. "I believe our detectives have spoken to most of the nearby residents and business owners."

Anyone with information about the incident should call SMPD dispatch at 310-458-8491.

The stabbing marks Santa Monica's third homicide this year. On January 25 Kayla Delise Mackie, 27, was arrested for the fatal shooting of a 46-year-old Los Angeles resident found wounded in his parked car on the 2600 block of 29th Street in Sunset park.

The victim -- who was identified as William Edwards III -- was transported in grave condition to a local hospital, where he died ("Suspect Arrested, Victim Identified in Sunset Park Homicide," January 26, 2024).

On June 11, the manager of Jameson's Pub on Main Street was killed during a fight that broke out after he asked several patrons to leave ("Patron Kills Main Street Pub Manager," June 13, 2024).

Leonard Hector Korpie, 26, of Venice was charged with homicide after he allegedly punched the victim, who lost consciousness and died after being transported to a local hospital.