Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica After Allegedly Strangling Homeless Man

A man has been arrested in Santa Monica after allegedly strangling another man in an unprovoked attack. The suspect, identified as Tamarquis Isiah Burke, 31, was apprehended by the Santa Monica Police Department on December 1. Burke, believed to be a transient, was found actively strangling the victim, who is also homeless, on the 200 block of Palisades Park at around 8:55 a.m.

Police officers responded to reports of an assault and witnessed the victim pleading for help. They quickly ran towards the scene and managed to release the victim from Burke’s grip. Witnesses at the scene confirmed that the attack appeared to be unprovoked.

Burke has been charged with attempted homicide and is currently being held on $2.25 million bail. The case is still under investigation, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Detective McCoy can be contacted at James.McCoy@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Goodwin at Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.

Strangulation is a serious offense that can cause severe injury or even death. It is important for the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The Santa Monica Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents and will continue to investigate this incident thoroughly.

This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. Homeless individuals are often vulnerable to various forms of violence and are in need of support and resources. Organizations and community members can play a crucial role in offering assistance to those in need and working towards addressing the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness.

The Santa Monica Police Department is determined to bring justice to victims of crimes and maintain a safe environment for all residents.