Arrest Follows Killing of O.C. Good Samaritan

Authorities filed murder charges Monday against a 25-year-old man in connection with the stabbing death of a San Clemente resident described as someone who often invited troubled people into his home, authorities said.

The victim, Stephen Clark, 62, was discovered Sunday evening by his stepfather and a neighbor after the pair became concerned that his pickup truck was missing. When they entered a bathroom in the home, they discovered a “bloody mess” that included Clark’s small white dog slain near him, said Jim Amormino, an Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman.

On Monday, authorities arrested Salvador Marquez, saying he had been caught driving Clark’s truck. Police wouldn’t reveal where the arrest was made. Neighbors of the victim identified Marquez through a photo lineup as one of the many people they had seen coming and going from Clark’s home, in the 100 block of Esplanade, Amormino said.

Investigators said they had no reason to believe Clark was involved in illicit activities but said the department had fielded a number of complaints about his many guests.

“This is just surreal,” said Clark’s younger sister, Linda. “He had a huge heart. He was always out to help somebody else.”

Authorities said Clark, who was living alone, leaves three daughters behind. He owned a chimney sweep business.

“He was a nice guy,” said neighbor Norman Lopez. “I just waved at him, talked to him once in a while. His dog would run over and play with mine.”

Before Clark’s body was discovered, the California Highway Patrol arrested Marquez at 1 a.m. Sunday on suspicion of driving under the influence. A patrol officer found him stranded on the side of Interstate 5 in Mission Viejo with another man after he had run out of gas, Amormino said.

Marquez was released from jail that morning.

Shortly after 7 p.m., the killing was reported to the Sheriff’s Department and information from the California Highway Patrol was used to apprehend Marquez again.

In addition to murder and driving under the influence, the district attorney’s office said, Marquez will face charges of cruelty to an animal, use of a deadly weapon and vehicle theft.

He is scheduled to be arraigned today. If convicted, he could face life in prison.