SAN DIEGO – A 65-year-old woman from San Diego, identified as Chi Thi Kim Cao, was tragically stabbed to death at Central Avenue Mini Park in City Heights. The San Diego Police Department, through Lt. Steve Shebloski, confirmed the identity of the victim as a Vietnamese woman.
Following the incident, on Monday, the police apprehended a suspect named Siliveinusi Patafalai Hamala, 23, at his residence on 39th Street. He was subsequently booked into the San Diego County Jail on suspicion of murder.
According to Lt. Shebloski, Cao was engaged in exercise at the mini park when Hamala allegedly launched an unprovoked and unexpected attack on her just before 8:30 a.m. She sustained multiple stab wounds to her upper body and tragically lost her life at the scene.
Law enforcement officials are still investigating the motive behind this violent act. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that there was any prior altercation or that the victim was specifically targeted for a particular reason.
The San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit has requested anyone with additional information regarding the stabbing contact them at 619-531-2293.
Alternatively, individuals can reach out anonymously to San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or provide information through their website at sdcrimestoppers.org.
Informants may choose to remain anonymous, and there is a possibility of receiving a reward of up to $1,000 for valuable information leading to the resolution of the case.