Los Angeles

Man Accused of Stabbing Food 4 Less Security Guard Over Beer Will Face Murder Charge

A 24-year-old man suspected of fatally stabbing a Los Angeles security guard who tried to stop him from stealing beer will face a murder charge.

Police Detective Efren Gutierrez says Santiago Madrigal is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday. It wasn't immediately known if he has an attorney.

Investigators say he tried to shoplift from a Food 4 Less grocery store in the Sylmar neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley on Sunday.

Officials say the guard followed the suspect out of the store, and during a confrontation the suspect fatally stabbed the guard.

The victim, 28-year-old Joe Lopez, was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Gutierrez told the Daily News the crime was a vicious assault over just a few cans of beer.

Madrigal, who lives near the store, was held in lieu of $2 million bail.

Copyright The Associated Press
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