A man from Mali surrendered this morning at a police station following a violent incident in Valencia. He is said to have struck a homeless person with a large rock while the victim slept under a bridge along the old riverbed. The officer in charge confirmed that the suspect has been detained and is cooperating with investigators.
Initial reports indicate the suspect admitted to killing at least one person by striking with stones. Local authorities note that the area near the riverbed has a high concentration of people experiencing homelessness, which has raised concerns about public safety and vulnerable populations in the district. As of now, authorities have confirmed one death, while another case remains under investigation. A second individual who was injured was hospitalized in serious condition, and hospital officials are monitoring the patient for any changes in status.
police device
Witnesses and first responders reported that additional injured individuals could receive medical care at the scene from teams dispatched by the Emergency Information and Coordination Center. Official updates indicate that only those whose injuries were verified at the scene or who were found deceased are counted in the immediate casualty report, with others potentially treated at nearby medical facilities or evacuated as needed.
Alongside National Police patrols, regional police units have increased presence in the area. Investigators, including a murder squad and scientific police, have been deployed as part of standard procedures in a case involving a violent death. Their objective is to establish a clear sequence of events, determine the motive, and secure any physical evidence that could shed light on what happened.
Personal cell phone for a conflict
At a preliminary level, authorities describe the incident as a violent altercation between the person who confessed to the attack and the deceased, with bystanders present. While it may appear to some as a hate crime, officials caution against prematurely labeling the incident. The evolving narrative suggests the confrontation could have stemmed from a private dispute rather than hostility toward homeless status, though investigators will examine all angles before reaching a final assessment.
The investigation is continuing, with a focus on timelines, the nature of the contact between the involved parties, and any potential contributing factors. Community leaders and social services are monitoring the situation to address safety concerns in the neighborhood and to support individuals who might be at risk in nearby encampments. Authorities remind residents to report suspicious activity and to avoid speculation while facts are being gathered.
Officials emphasize that the case remains under active review. The public is advised to rely on official briefings for verified information as inquiries proceed. In the meantime, resources are being coordinated to assess area vulnerabilities and to explore preventive measures that could reduce similar incidents in the future. The overall aim is to ensure accountability while preserving the safety and dignity of all residents in the community.