Attempted Murder Charge For Man Suspected Of Brutal Beating Of Woman In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — An Altadena man remains held on $2 million bail on a charge of attempted murder after brutally beating a woman in a Santa Monica alleyway in September, police said.

Oscar Benn, 27, was arrested on Nov. 14 in connection with the incident that occurred at around 12:30 a.m. on the 1400 block of Alley 5, the Santa Monica Police Department said Monday.

Officers were dispatched to the scene following a report that a woman had been assaulted. There, they located the 25-year-old woman, who was new to the area and experiencing homelessness. She sustained severe injuries "including facial trauma and signs consistent with strangulation," police said.

"According to a witness, the unprovoked attack involved the suspect repeatedly kicking and punching the woman as she lay on the ground. The incident was captured on surveillance footage, which also showed the suspect fleeing the scene," police said.

After releasing the video and seeking the public's help identifying the suspect, detectives on Nov. 3 received a tip that led to the identification of Benn, police said.

Benn was later charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office with attempted murder, police said. Benn is being held on $2 million bail, jail records show.