Damian Martinez, a 19-year-old Latino male from El Monte, California, was fatally shot on March 3, 2025, at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley, San Diego. Authorities responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 8:30 p.m. and discovered Martinez deceased in a hallway of the hotel. Another victim, a 23-year-old male, was found outside the lobby suffering from gunshot wounds, though his injuries were not life-threatening.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Kevin Casey Larin from
Northridge, California, was located in a dark-colored truck in the hotel parking lot shortly after the shooting. He surrendered to police without incident and was taken into custody. Larin was booked into San Diego Central Jail on charges of murder and attempted murder. Investigators revealed that all three men—Martinez, Larin, and the surviving victim—were co-workers who had traveled to San Diego for work.
During his arraignment, Larin pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder and assault with a semi-automatic firearm. His defense attorney stated that they were still reviewing evidence, including surveillance footage from the hotel and potential body-worn camera footage from responding officers. The motive behind the shooting remains undisclosed, and Larin is currently being held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 22, 2025. If convicted of first-degree murder, he faces a minimum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
