Deputies seek suspect in fatal Menifee assault

MENIFEE — A man accused of inflicting ultimately fatal injuries on a 60-year-old Menifee resident near a highway nearly two weeks ago remained at large Tuesday.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Richard Adam Lopez, 32, who allegedly beat Jose Gonzalez on the night of May 20 in the 27000 block of Highway 74 in Menifee.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Rick Espinoza said Lopez was identified following a two-week investigation by the sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit. The evidence that allegedly pointed to the suspect as the assailant was not disclosed.

According to Espinoza, the suspect and victim were involved in an unspecified confrontation that culminated with Lopez allegedly inflicting a traumatic injury to Gonzalez’s head. It was unclear whether a weapon was used.

Deputies were called to investigate reports of a man down near the highway and discovered Gonzalez unconscious but clinging to life. He was taken to a regional trauma center, where he lingered in a coma until Sunday, according to Espinoza.

No description of Lopez was provided. However, anyone with information about his possible whereabouts or the killing was urged to contact the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.

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