Half Moon Bay man stabbed to death

Authorities were first called around 7 p.m. July 27 on a report of a fight in progress between two men outside a residence on the 800 block of Main Street. When deputies arrived to the southern end of downtown, two Half Moon Bay men in their 50s were found on the ground. Responders quickly realized the victim was bleeding profusely from a stab wound to his neck and attempted life-saving measures, sheriff’s Detective Sal Zuno said.

“Our deputies as well as members from Cal Fire began to give him CPR, they did so for a significant amount of time. Unfortunately, the male with the injury did not survive,” Zuno said.

The suspect’s identity was not being released Friday as the investigation is ongoing and witnesses are being interviewed. He was described only as a man in his 50s who was booked into San Mateo County Jail where he is being held without bail on murder charges, Zuno said.

“We’re still investigating what happened,” Zuno said, adding investigators had been “working through the whole night.”

This was an isolated incident and the two men knew each other, although their exact relationship was not immediately clear. It’s believed the incident did not stem from any gang activity, however, Zuno said officials couldn’t yet confirm whether alcohol or drugs played a role.

There were also several witnesses to the incident, including a person who first called 911 to report the fight in progress. Other people were inside the home at the time of alleged murder, but Zuno said authorities were still working to determine “who they are, what the relationship is to the people involved, and their ages.”

It was also not immediately clear whether either Blue or the suspect resided at the home blocked off by crime tape into the Thursday evening hours.

The scene took place at the southern end of Half Moon Bay’s quaint downtown where a mix of commercial shops, high-end restaurants, single-family homes and a large senior complex line the street.

When officers arrived, both Blue and the suspect were injured. The suspect was treated at the scene and ultimately arrested, Zuno said.

Evidence was gathered at the scene and will be sent to the District Attorney’s Office for review Monday. Should the DA opt to file charges, the suspect would likely make his first court appearance Monday afternoon.  

Zuno said officials were working to determine the circumstances surrounding Blue’s death and urged anyone with information to come forward.

“We’re working hard to conduct a very thorough investigation,” Zuno said. “If there are any witnesses that are familiar with this area or may even know the people involved … if it sounds familiar please reach out to us.”

Anyone with information can contact Detective John Carroll at (650) 259-2313 or the anonymous tip line at (800) 574-2700.

samantha@smdailyjournal.com

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Twitter: @samantha_weigel