A judge ordered a 19-year-old man on March 18 to stand trial for murder in the death of a homeless man who suffered 16 rib fractures and was stabbed three times in Mission Beach.
Attorney Amy Balfe, who represents Daniel Ruben Martin, told San Diego Superior Court Judge Melinda Lasater the testimony showed it was Martin’s 17-year-old friend who stabbed Michael Shook, 65, and not Martin.
The unclothed body of Shook was found on the sand at 5:30 a.m. at 900 West Mission Bay Drive in Bonita Cove Park on July 5, 2023.
A 17-year-old co-defendant is also charged with murder in Juvenile Court and his name is not public record. Balfe told Lasater “It was not Mr. Martin who was the stabber – it was his friend.”
Deputy District Attorney Shane Waller told the judge Martin held the victim’s arms while the juvenile stabbed him. It showed Martin had “disregard for human life,” added Waller.
“There is more than sufficient evidence for murder,” said Lasater, adding that Martin played a “very active participant” in the case.
A hot barbecue grill was placed over Shook’s face, resulting in thermal burns, according to San Diego Police Detective Chris Bernard. One of Shook’s teeth was found under his body, he said.
Bernard interviewed Martin after his July 8 arrest and he said “he knew a homeless person died.” Martin told him the juvenile was the stabber, added Bernard.
“We were taking turns on him, but when we left, I was pretty sure he was dead,” Martin was quoted as saying in the interview.
Bernard said he asked Martin why was Shook’s pants and clothing pulled off from his body. “We thought it would be cool,” replied Martin.
“He was laughing several times during the interview (with police),” said Waller.
Robert Stabley, a deputy medical examiner who performed the autopsy, said one of the stab wounds to the abdomen struck an artery near the aorta. A second stab wound went through his liver, he added.
Stabley said Shook had methamphetamine in his system when he died and also had kidney cancer. Stabley said there were 16 rib fractures that had more than one break in each rib.
Balfe told the judge Martin’s DNA was not found on the murder weapon, which was the victim’s own knife found under his body, or the barbecue grill. Balfe also downplayed the mention of Martin or the juvenile kicking the victim, saying both of them had lost their shoes on the beach and were barefoot.
“It was a random incident that should not have happened,” said Balfe. “He(Martin) showed remorse during the questioning when he said he should have died instead of the victim.”
Lasater set a trial date for June 19. Martin has pleaded not guilty. He remains in the Rock Mountain Detention Facility without bail.
