By Gustavo Buenrostro
East Los Angeles College student Austin Zavala died on June 8, succumbing to his injuries. Zavala was 22 years old. He had been attacked on the Montebello bus line on April 9.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the assailant fled after stabbing the victim multiple times in the head and chest area.
The police apprehended 27 year old Manuel Ortiz Jr. on April 12th on suspicion of the assault. Ortiz Jr. was charged with attempted murder.
The charge was later upgraded to first-degree murder after Zavala’s death. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff Inmate Records, Ortiz Jr.’s bail was set at $2.4 million, but after Zavala’s death, Ortiz Jr. was set with no bail.
Ortiz Jr. has a court date later this month on October 24 and then has another court date on December 13.
The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department still haven’t found a motive for the stabbing and are continuing to investigate into the case.
At the time of the incident, a video was released of the stabbing, showing the assailant lunging toward the victim.
If there is anyone who would like to speak about Zavala and his life, email elaccampusnews@gmail.com.