Woman, 84, Dies After Being Hit by Panhandler
A 33-year-old transient was arrested on suspicion of fatally punching an 84-year-old woman when she rebuffed his request for money, police said.
Eric John Martin was arrested by San Diego police in the attack on Eva Lopez, who had just had lunch at a Mexican restaurant in Chula Vista after attending Sunday church services when an unkempt man demanded money.
When Lopez refused, police said, the panhandler allegedly struck her in the face. She fell to the ground and died at a hospital.
Police said Martin was arrested based on a sketch from information provided by witnesses, including Lopez’s husband and daughter.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
