The man killed in Mission Valley Hotel was a resident of Los Angeles – San Diego Union -Tribune

A man who was killed in a Mission Valley hotel earlier this week was identified as a resident of the County of Los Angeles who was on a work trip with the alleged killer, the San Diego police announced on Thursday.

Damian Martinez, 19, from El Monte, was found dead in a corridor of the Handlery hotel at the Circle North hotel around 8:30 p.m. Monday, according to Lieutenant-Homicide Lou Maggi.

A second victim, 23, was found outside the hall of the hotel with ball injury. He had to survive.

The police obtained a description of the suspect entering a dark truck, and the police found the vehicle in the hotel parking lot with the suspect inside, said Maggi.

Kevin Casey Larin, 29, of Northridge, was arrested for murder and attempted murder.

The three were colleagues from San Diego to work, said Maggi.

Originally published: March 6, 2025 at 4:08 p.m. PST