Unidentified Dead Man Found on Bench Outside St. John's

A deadman was found outside St John's Hospital this morning, and a suspect has been arrested for his murder. The suspect is identified as Daniel Roy Davis, a 26-year-old male.

The victim is said to have been a transient from San Diego. Police describe him as a white male around 40 years of age.

The victim's body was found Friday morning at about 6:44 a.m., Santa Monica Police Dept. spokesman Saul Rodriguez said. Both the victim and perpetrator appear to be homeless men, and one might surmise an argument took place.

SMPD Officers responded to a radio call at Providence St. John's Health Center, 2121 Santa Monica Blvd, regarding a deceased male found on a bench.

Hospital security found the man on a bench and notified hospital staff. Hospital staff determined the man was deceased. First responding officers determined the death appeared suspicious. SMPD Detectives responded to the scene for an investigation. A preliminary investigation revealed the deceased suffered a blunt force injury to his upper torso. As detectives were canvasing the area, they located Davis in the immediate area of the 2300 block of Santa Monica Blvd. Detectives gathered evidence linking Davis to the crime. Davis was placed under arrest.

Davis has been booked for 187(a) PC – Murder and remains in custody at SMPD Jail with a bail of $2 million. On July 10, 2018, the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office-Airport Division Courthouse for filing consideration.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to call the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491; or Detective Elias at (310) 458-8943.