East County Stabbing Victim Dies In Hospital: Police

EL CAJON, CA — A homeless man who was stabbed earlier this month in San Diego's East County has died, authorities said Wednesday.

Steven Barron, 71, died from his injuries Saturday in a hospital, according to the El Cajon Police Department.

Police responded to a report of a stabbing around 9:15 p.m. Oct. 5 in the 800 block of Benedict Ave. in El Cajon. Officers encountered a man armed with a knife near the victim, who was suffering from a stab wound to his torso, Lt. Will Guerin said.

When officers approached the suspect, later identified as Gregory Carlomagno, 44, he fled on foot and attempted to carjack a vehicle, Guerin said. He was later arrested in the 700 block of W. Main St.

Barron was taken to a hospital, where he remained until his death.

"The investigation revealed that Barron and Carlomagno are both homeless and recently met," Guerin said. "Barron was giving Carlomagno a ride to a store, when Barron's vehicle broke down. He stopped to address the issue, and for reasons still under investigation, Carlomagno stabbed Barron."

Carlomagno, who was already on felony probation for grand theft, was being held on multiple charges without bail at George Bailey Detention Facility in San Diego.