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By Rachel Williams
October 17, 2024 (El Cajon) — In the seam of Benedict Ave’s 800 block at around 9:15 p.m. on Oct. 5, a chilly Saturday night two weekends ago, El Cajon police officers responded to a 911 call reporting the stabbing of a 71-year-old man, Steven Barron, who suffered a wound to his torso. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
When officers arrived they encountered an armed suspect with a knife, identified later as 44-year-old Gregory Carlomagno. Upon officers’ attempt to detain Carlomagno, he fled on foot and tried to carjack a passerby, but the victim escaped.
The investigation revealed that Barron and Carlomagno were both homeless and had just recently met each other. Barron was giving Carlomagno a ride to the store when Barron’s vehicle suddenly broke down, Will Guerin, Lieutenant of El Cajon Police Department, said. When Barron stopped to address the issue, and for unknown reasons that are still pending investigation, Carlomagno stabbed Barron.
As officers approached the scene, Carlomagno continued to evade police and he was ultimately apprehended within the 700 block of W. Main St. and taken into custody before he was booked into the San Diego County Central Jail where he continues to be held.
One week after the incident, El Cajon Police detectives were informed that Barron passed away from his injuries in the hospital.
Flock ALPR cameras helped identify the victim that Carlomagno attempted to carjack while fleeing from officers, according to Lieutenant Guerin.
At the time of the incident, Carlomagno was on felony probation for grand theft. He has an extensive arrest history, including a felony conviction for elder abuse.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the El Cajon Police Department at (619) 579-3311. Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (888)-580-8477 or online at sdcrimestoppers.org.
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