Hollister police are looking for a suspect after a stabbing homicide early on Christmas morning, according to a Hollister Police Department announcement.
Officers responded to a reported “disturbance with an intoxicated person” at about 2:30 a.m. in the 100 block of Locust Avenue, which is just west of Vista Park Hill near downtown Hollister. They found a stabbing victim, who sustained injuries to his “upper torso” and died shortly after responders arrived, according to police. Police discovered the man at the “rear of a residence” in the 100 block of Locust Avenue.
Hollister police detectives have identified the victim as Oliverio Hernandez Santos, 43, of Hollister.
The Hollister Police Department did not provide anymore information about suspects or witnesses to the stabbing.
“We have been working on this non-stop since arriving onscene,” Hollister police Capt. David Westrick said in an email, while he added he will have more updates Tuesday.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Tony Lamonica is a spokesman for the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office, which acts as the coroner here. He said he expected the coroner would have an autopsy conducted in the next few days. He said he “won’t have anything” else until he talks to the police department Tuesday.
According to the police statement: “Hollister police officers located a Hispanic male stabbing victim at the rear of a residence in the 100 Blk. of Locust Avenue. Hollister Fire Department and AMR responded for medical attention. The victim was suffering from upper torso trauma. Despite extensive lifesaving efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries. The identity of the victim is pending notification of next of kin.”
The Hollister Police Department is investigating the homicide. Anyone with information is asked to call the Hollister Police Department Detective Bureau at (831) 636-4330. People wishing to remain anonymous can call WeTIP at (800) 78-CRIME.
The fatal stabbing on Christmas was the fifth homicide of the year in Hollister.
