Homeless man arrested in fatal stabbing at downtown L.A. restaurant
A homeless man suspected of stabbing to death a fellow diner at a downtown Los Angeles Mexican restaurant on New Year’s Day has been arrested, police said.
A civilian called police around 4 p.m., after learning about the crime, to report seeing the suspect inside the downtown Central Library, located at 630 W. 5th Street, police said.
Officers quickly responded and took the suspect, identified as Devan Lampkin, 49, into custody without incident, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Lampkin was wanted for the stabbing death of Homer Garcia, 56, after the two got into an argument inside Margarita’s Place, located at 103 E. 7th, about 8:35 a.m. Wednesday, police said.
Relatives said Garcia was an avid musician.
Surveillance video from inside the restaurant released by police showed the attack, then Lampkin calmly pick up his belongings off the counter and walk away.
Lampkin lived at a homeless shelter and was being held on $2 million bail, police said.
The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office next week.
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.
