SAN DIEGO — A man suspected of fatally stabbing a woman at City Heights Park in San Diego has been arrested by the San Diego Police Department. The suspect, identified as Hamala Siliveinusi Patafalai, 23, was taken into custody at his residence in City Heights on Monday evening.
The incident occurred on Monday morning when police officers discovered a 65-year-old woman with multiple stab wounds to her upper body near Central Avenue Mini-Park. Despite efforts to save her life, the woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
San Diego Police homicide detectives launched an investigation into the incident and determined that the victim had been exercising in the park when the suspect suddenly attacked her without any prior altercation or specific motive.
The suspect fled on foot, heading south through an alley on 3600 Central Avenue. The police have stated that there is no evidence suggesting the victim was targeted or that there was any altercation before the attack.
Patafalai is now facing a charge of murder and will be booked into San Diego County Jail. The San Diego Police Department encourages anyone with information about the incident or who can identify the suspect to contact the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.