A 24-year-old man suspected of stabbing a restaurant worker multiple times near the Santa Monica Pier is due back in court later this month to face an attempted murder charge.
Malvin Walker was charged Friday with attempted murder in connection with the Aug. 31 stabbing that occurred in the 1600 block of Ocean Front Walk, according to the District Attorney’s Office. The charge includes allegations of use of a deadly weapon and causing great bodily injury.
Walker pleaded not guilty and was directed to return to the Airport Branch Courthouse on Sept. 23, when a date will be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for him to stand trial. He remains in custody without bail, according to jail records.
According to Santa Monica police, the attack occurred at the top of a staircase connecting Ocean Front Walk to Appian Way before the suspect ran away.
It was unclear what precipitated the attack. Witnesses told reporters the victim worked for a restaurant in the area and was on his lunch break when the attack occurred. One witness said the attacker appeared to be a homeless man who approached the victim from behind and stabbed him three times.
The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Walker was taken into custody two days later blocks away from the scene.
Anyone with additional information regarding the stabbing was urged to contact Detective Isaac Reyes at isaac.reyes@santamonica.gov or dispatch at 310-458-8427.