Authorities have publicly identified a man who was fatally wounded this week in an alleged hatchet attack near Mission Bay.
Patrol officers responding to a report of an assault found David Bugaj, 69, suffering from severe head injuries in the area of Damon and Santa Fe streets in Bay Ho about 5 p.m. Monday, according to the San Diego Police Department. Bugaj died despite lifesaving efforts.
"Officers learned the (suspected assailant) was likely inside a travel trailer parked nearby," SDPD Lt. Lou Maggi said. "The officers surrounded the trailer and called out for any occupants to exit."
The suspect, 39-year-old Larry Raymond Rodriguez, eventually emerged from the trailer and surrendered peaceably. His young daughter was taken into protective custody at the scene, Maggi said.
Investigators determined that Bugaj's fatal injuries were inflicted by a hatchet, according to police.
Police have disclosed no suspected motive for the alleged slaying, and the nature of the relationship between the suspect and victim, if any, remains unclear.
Rodriguez was booked into San Diego Central Jail. He remains jailed without bail following a Thursday afternoon arraignment, during which he pleaded not guilty to murder, plus an allegation of using a deadly weapon.