City of Santa Monica, CA
11/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/19/2024 18:16
SUSPECT ARRESTED – SEPTEMBER 6th HOMICIDE
November 19, 2024 3:56 PM
General Information:
- Date of Incident: Friday, September 6, 2024, at 5:50 PM
- Type of Incident: Homicide/Murder
- Location: 1100 Block of 6th Street, alley east
- Suspect: Sebastian Emil Gaston, 36-years-old, of Los Angeles
On September 6th, 2024, Santa Monica Police Department Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) officers received a radio call of a person lying on the ground in the 1100 Block of Alley 6. When officers arrived, they discovered a deceased male in his 30s with one stab wound to the upper chest area. Two detectives were designated as the handling investigators and several other from the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) responded to assist. As a team, CID gathered evidence, video footage, and witness statements throughout the day.
After an extensive and thorough investigation, detectives determined the suspect to be a security guard (photo above) who worked in a building adjacent to the incident. Detectives presented the case to an LA County Deputy District Attorney who believed there was enough evidence to file the murder charge. An arrest warrant was issued for Gaston who was subsequently taken into custody on November 7th at the Santa Monica police station. During his interrogation, Gaston admitted to the murder as well as a previous assault in July. Gaston remains in the custody of the LA County Sheriff's Department pending trial.
Anyone with information about this individual or incident is encouraged to contact Detective Kayondo at [email protected], Sergeant Lozano at [email protected], or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.
Media Contact
Erika Aklufi
Lieutenant
[email protected]