Crash, argument occur before Coto De Caza stabbing, officials say

Before one man repeatedly stabbed another just inside a Coto De Caza security gate, there had been a traffic crash and an argument, a sheriff’s official said on Thursday, Oct. 8

The Wednesday morning attack at the gated community happened near Antonio Parkway and Coto De Caza Drive, Orange County sheriff’s Sgt. Dennis Breckner said.

The victim, a 72-year-old man, was stabbed 11 times by Luis Fabian Centeno, 29, Breckner said on Thursday.

Centeno, who lives in Tustin, was taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder. Jail records show that Centeno, who listed his occupation as “security,” was being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.

“It appears that (the stabbing) was related to a traffic collision that had happened shortly before,” Breckner said. “An argument ensued and then the stabbing occurred.”

He did not have details about how the crash happened.

The victim had surgery and was recovering in an intensive-care unit, Breckner said.

Investigators are hoping to speak with him and figure out if the two men had any previous run-ins or interactions, the sergeant said.

About The Author

Brent A. Duque

Brent A. Duque is the Founder & President of Duque & Price, a Southern California personal injury law firm with offices in Newport Beach, Riverside, Los Angeles, and Temecula, California. He focuses on personal injury and wrongful death matters involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, premises liability, and catastrophic injuries. Licensed in California since 2005, Mr. Duque brings nearly two decades of litigation experience to his practice. He earned his law degree from Whittier Law School and studied political science and public administration at California State University Fullerton and California Polytechnic University Pomona.

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