A brutal attempted murder unfolded in the serene setting of Palisades Park last Thursday, as one transient man was allegedly caught trying to strangle another at around 8:55 a.m. Tamarquis Isiah Burke, 31, was arrested on the scene by Santa Monica Police officers after they intervened during what witnesses described as an "unprovoked" attack.
According to a press release from the Santa Monica Police Department, officers were quick to respond to the assault in progress on the 200 block of the park. The officers discovered the alarming situation where Tamarquis Burke was seemingly strangling another homeless male, whose desperate pleas for help were audible as law enforcement approached.
Burke complied with the officers' commands to release the victim and was taken into custody without further incident. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, is understood to also be experiencing homelessness. He was found alive thanks to the rapid response of the Santa Monica Police.
Burke now faces attempted homicide charges and is currently being held at the Santa Monica Jail on $2,025,000 bail.
The Santa Monica Police Department is actively seeking more information on the incident and urges anyone with insights to reach out to Detective McCoy or Detective Sergeant Goodwin. The authorities have asked that tips be sent directly via email or by contacting the Watch Commander.
