The manager of a National City apartment complex was discovered stabbed to death in the doorway of his own apartment overnight.
A tenant returned to the four-unit apartment complex on Norton Avenue around 1 a.m. and found the manager at the door.
The manager was naked and appeared to have multiple injuries to his upper torso.
Investigators said there was evidence of a struggle in the room and clothes were found with blood on them.
After emergency crews arrived, they declared the apartment manager dead at the scene.
The victim’s girlfriend ran past a police barricade crying hysterically. She was later interviewed by detectives.
Family members later confirmed the victim was Enrique "Ricky" Atilano. His sister-in-law spoke exclusively to NBC 7 and said the family was devasted upon hearing the news.
Local
"I can't believe this, I just talked to him two days ago," said Judy Atilano through tears. "We were supposed to go to a party soon."
Investigators were looking for the victim’s vehicle after the crime was reported– a 1998 Chevy Suburban.
The Suburban is registered to the manager. Investigators believe the suspect stole the vehicle.
At about 12:30 p.m. fire authorities reported finding the car, burning about 3-and-a-half miles from the apartment complex on Dissinger Ave. National City police are investigating the car but still do not have any suspects in custody.
A check of the state’s Megan’s Law website identifies an Enrique Atilano is a registered sex offender living inside the unit involved in the shooting on Norton Avenue.
Ailano, 53, has been convicted of lewd acts with a child under 14 years of age.
The medical examiner has not yet positively identified the victim.
"That it's in this neighborhood it's not good,” said neighbor Jennifer Irvin. “Makes me not want my daughter out makes me want to hold on to her even more."
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