Man, 18, Dies After Beating; 2 Arrested

An 18-year-old Ventura man who was brutally beaten over the head in front of his Ventura apartment died from his injuries Sunday, and two men are in custody in connection with the death, coroner and police officials said.

William Scott Zara was pronounced dead Sunday afternoon at Ventura County Medical Center’s intensive care unit from massive head injuries, said James Baroni, senior deputy coroner.

A small group of people attacked Zara in front of his apartment in the 300 block of East Warner Street on Friday night, police said. When officers arrived at the complex at 9:47 p.m., they found Zara lying in the courtyard with a bloody shovel and bat nearby.

Frank Olvera, 33, and Terry Paul Schell, 22, both of Ventura, were booked into Ventura County Jail on Friday night on suspicion of attempted murder. Officials said the charge would be changed to murder during the two men’s arraignment this week.

Olvera, who was also booked on suspicion of violating his probation and driving under the influence of alcohol, was being held in lieu of $505,000 bail, a jail clerk said. Schell’s bail amount was set at $500,000.

After being jumped, police said, Zara attempted to defend himself with a bat, while neighbors tried to fend off the attackers with a shovel and boards. The assailants took the shovel and bat and used them to beat Zara, police said.

Olvera and Schell, who live across the street from Zara, were identified by witnesses and were arrested late Saturday, police said. Police were investigating a motive, but said Zara was not a known gang member.