Transient Held in Boat Mechanic’s Fatal Stabbing

Police have arrested a local transient in the stabbing death of a boat mechanic.

Homicide detectives and patrol officers seized Jack Allan Gregerson, 25, as he slept with a few belongings in a small hollow at a Sea Bluff Drive city park early Thursday.

Gregerson was held on suspicion of murder three days after Charles Edward Overturf, 36, was found dead in his two-bedroom home in the 900 block of Sunset Drive, Sgt. Ron Smith said.

Detectives are trying to learn why Overturf was killed. Gregerson and Overturf frequented some of the same bars in the area near 19th Street and Placentia Avenue, Smith said, but investigators do not know whether they were acquainted.

Two unidentified men seen Sunday night with Gregerson in a bar near 19th and Placentia may be able to tell police whether Gregerson came into contact with Overturf, Smith said. The men are not suspects, he said, noting that investigators believe that Gregerson acted alone.

Overturf, who worked next door to his home at Archer Marine Services, last spoke to a friend and his father Sunday. He was found dead about 10 a.m. the next day.

Smith said Gregerson was linked with the murder by physical evidence in Overturf’s home, but he declined to elaborate, citing the continuing investigation.

Smith also declined to say whether police have recovered a weapon used in the stabbing.

Smith said officers in western Costa Mesa are familiar with Gregerson, who apparently worked intermittently as a gardener in the area.

Gregerson is being held in City Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.