A homeless encampment at San Lorenzo Park in Santa Cruz on Dec. 18, 2020.
The homeless encampment at San Lorenzo Park in Santa Cruz.
(Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz)
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Attempted homicide arrest made in San Lorenzo Park homeless encampment beating

Jose Dante Espinosa, 34, was taken into custody Tuesday in the area of San Lorenzo Park near Soquel Avenue on a charge of attempted homicide, police said.

Santa Cruz police have arrested a 34-year-old man in connection with the severe beating a man in the San Lorenzo Park homeless encampment late last month.

Jose Dante Espinosa was taken into custody Tuesday in the area of San Lorenzo Park near Soquel Avenue on a charge of attempted homicide, police said. Espinosa is accused assaulting a 32-year-old man who lives in the encampment, which city leaders have attempted to close but have been stopped so far by a court order.

The victim, police said, sustained severe head injuries and was hospitalized in critical condition, but is expected to survive.

Police released no other details about the circumstances of the case, other than to say detectives continue to investigate it. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit (831) 420-5820.