1 Suspect Arrested, 1 At-Large For Bar Bouncer's Beating Death
REDONDO BEACH (CBS) — Officials in Redondo Beach confirm they have arrested one of two suspects wanted in the beating death of a popular and well-liked bar bouncer.
According to authorities, 30-year-old Alejandro Avina is being held on $1 million bail.
The other suspect, identified as 35-year-old Francisco Cobarruvias Jr., is still at-large. Police say he fled to parts unknown with his three children -- aged 3-11 -- in tow. Sgt. Shawn Freeman of the Redondo Beach Police said, "We have not been able to locate him."
Officials say the two men went to Pat's II Cocktail Lounge in the 1300 block of South Pacific Coast Highway just before closing time early Saturday morning.
The 51-year-old bouncer, identified only as Terry, told the men they couldn't enter. One of the suspects is reportedly a regular at the bar.
The two men and the bouncer got into a verbal altercation that turned physical. Police say the two suspects beat the bouncer and kicked him repeatedly when he was on the ground.
They fled in a white Audi.
The victim, described by his friends as a "gentle giant," later died at the hospital.
Lawrence said with the re-opening of the bar Sunday evening, friends gathered to mourn Terry and tell stories about he touched their lives.
Bartender Cassandra Morrow can't believe her friend, a big man, was knocked down. She also finds it hard to believe he is gone. "Terry touched everyone in his life in a different way. It's kind of like people say bartenders listen to your problems...Terry was that guy."
Sunday evening customers also began raising money for Terry's family and the 11-year-old son he leaves behind. Friend Mitzi Baum said, "This is a huge loss. A huge unnecessary loss. All we want now is to heal and for the people who did what they did to pay."
When both suspects are in custody, they will be charged with suspicion of murder. Avina is expected to be arraigned Tuesday.
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