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Santa Monica’s violent crime wave claimed another victim Saturday when a woman was beaten to death inside a residential care facility for adults with mental illness and developmental disabilities, just days after a fatal shooting near the Santa Monica Pier.
The killing marks the city’s fifth homicide of 2026, already surpassing the four murders recorded during all of 2025 and adding to growing concerns over violent crime.Santa Monica police responded to The Manor, a state-licensed Adult Residential Facility at 1905 Pico Blvd., at approximately 5:21 p.m. after receiving a report of a woman in need of medical attention.
Officers found an adult woman suffering from severe injuries. Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics attempted life-saving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.Neighbors said the woman was found unresponsive after being attacked in a communal bathroom, KTLA reported.Authorities have not disclosed how she was killed. By 8:45 p.m., police announced that a male suspect had been taken into custody.
Investigators have not identified the suspect or revealed what sparked the deadly attack, but officials said no additional suspects are being sought.
Detectives and forensic personnel continue to investigate the case as a homicide. The homicide unfolded inside The Manor, which has operated since 1965 and provides room, board, care and supervision for adults with mental illness and developmental disabilities.
The facility, located across the street from Santa Monica College, has long been criticized by neighbors and is a frequent source of police calls.Licensed by the California Department of Social Services’ Community Care Licensing Division, The Manor is an Adult Residential Facility, not a conventional apartment building, market-rate housing, or Section 8 housing.
The latest homicide comes as law enforcement activity has surged across Santa Monica.
Newly released department data shows police made 2,656 arrests through July 4, a nearly 70% increase from the 1,563 arrests during the same period last year.Officer-initiated activity also rose 27.5%, even as calls for service from residents declined 4%.
