Suspect identified in alleged Grover Beach killing

Update, 2:15 p.m.: The Grover Beach Police Department has identified the suspect arrested in Monday’s alleged murder at a city strip mall.

Nicholas Sage Coronado-Watermen, 25, of Grover Beach, was booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail on suspicion of murder at approximately 12:30 p.m., according to jail logs, and is currently being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

Original story: Grover Beach police have arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide that took place early Monday morning in a strip mall parking lot near the corner of Grand Avenue and Oak Park Boulevard. The victim died as a result of blunt force trauma, according to Police Chief John Peters.

Police received reports of the incident around 12:40 a.m.

“When the officers arrived, along with sheriff’s deputies who were in the area, they discovered a man that sustained grave injuries that was lying in the parking lot,” Peters told The Tribune.

He was taken to a local hospital where he died of his injuries, Peters said.

The sole person of interest, a male in his 20s from Grover Beach, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. Peters said there were witnesses on scene, as well.

“There are no outstanding suspects. An arrest has been made.” Peters said. “The victim, who is in his 30s, knew the suspect, who is in his 20s.”

This is an ongoing investigation, and Peters said police are not releasing a suspected motive at this time.

This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 8:42 AM.