A Grover Beach man was arrested after investigators alleged he murdered a man who at first appeared to have died in a residential fire.
Manuel Jesus Perez, 41, was arrested on suspicion of murder after the Five Cities Fire Authority and the Grover Beach Police Department responded to a call on the 100 blk of N. 13th St. at about 6:20 a.m. on July 11 where they located a small fire contained to one apartment. Investigators also located one deceased adult male inside the residence.
An investigation team comprised of personnel from the Grover Beach Police, Pismo Beach Police, Arroyo Grande Police, SLO County District Attorney’s Office, SLO County Sheriff and the Five Cities Fire Authority determined there was a physical altercation between roommates that resulted in the death of one of them. The victim has not been named until next of kin is located.
According to reports, Perez fled the scene prior to the emergency crews arrival, but was later located in San Luis Obispo by the San Luis Obispo Police Department He was taken into custody without incident and was booked into SLO County Jail on charges of first degree murder and arson.
Investigation determined this was an isolated event and there is no continual threat to the community, stated a news release.
Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact the Grover Beach Police Department at (805) 473-4511. Information can be provide anonymously by calling or e-mailing San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers at (805) 549- STOP(7867) or their website at www.slotips.org
