Motel manager still recovering

Two Sacramento men accused of brutally beating a 65-year-old San Bruno motel manager who asked them to quiet down the party in their room delayed a plea yesterday to attempted murder while their alleged victim, according to prosecutors, continues an arduous recovery.

Vutoro Mualevu, 28, and Isei Tikoisuva, 21, appeared in court for the second time since their arrest to enter the plea to that charge plus additional counts of aggravated mayhem and assault with a deadly weapon. Both postponed a plea until April 29.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, the pair were partying with friends at the Regency Inn on San Bruno Avenue shortly after 4 a.m. March 29 when the night manager asked them to quiet down in response to complaints by other guests. Mualevu and Tikoisuva allegedly attacked the man who is described by prosecutors as "balding and grandfatherly-looking.”

One of the men reportedly smashed a beer bottle in the manager’s face and both stomped him as he lay on the ground. Other motel guests called police and the defendants were arrested nearby after fleeing.

The manager, whose name is being withheld, was rushed to the hospital with numerous bone fractures, a possible skull fracture and in critical condition. He remained in critical condition as of Monday night, according to prosecutors. "We understand there is no change and doctors think it could be weeks until he gains consciousness,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

Both Maulevu and Tikoisuva remain in custody on no-bail status.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.