6 Months After ‘Ras’ Riley Was Stabbed to Death on the Streets of Ocean Beach, There’s Been No Arrest

Walter “Ras” Riley

It’s been 6 months now since Walter “Ras” Riley was stabbed to death on Bacon Street in an unprovoked attack, and there have been no arrests.

Riley was found with multiple stab wounds on a sidewalk on Bacon Street near Newport Avenue around 12:30 a.m. on June 22nd, 2017, and he died from his injuries at UC San Diego Medical Center.

Riley, 65, was a light-skinned homeless African-American who often sold incense in front of People’s and at the Farmers Market. He was described as “very quiet, soft-spoken person”.

Suspect in fatal attack from stills from a business video cam.

From our earlier reports:

A man believed to be the suspect was captured by the camera at a local business off Newport Avenue, just moments before the attack happened, police said. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and dark colored pants.  San Diego homicide investigators said the attack appeared to be unprovoked, and that Riley and the suspect appeared to have had a conversation before the attack.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at (888)580-8477.

Crime scene on Bacon. Screen capture from NBC7

The assailant was wearing a white or gray hooded sweatshirt and baggy blue jeans, police said.

SDPD Homicide Lieutenant Mike Holden told the press that witnesses say the victim and suspect had some kind of conversation before the attack. At this point police do not know of any motive. Holden stated:

“What we know right now, this does appear to be an unprovoked attack.”

The suspect fled before police arrived. NBC7 reported that they spoke to at least one witness who said:

“I witnessed the man running away. Yeah it concerns me, and I hope that the man who did it is apprehended.”

San Diego Police are still looking for this guy in the photos. And Crime Stoppers are waiting for your call – Crime Stoppers at (888)580-8477.