Police arrest suspect in deadly stabbing outside Lauren Daigle concert in Sacramento
SACRAMENTO — A man died after being stabbed outside the Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento, police said Tuesday evening, and a suspect has now been arrested.
The Sacramento County Coroner's Office has identified the victim as 22-year-old Laronn Derose Wilson II.
Malik Wilson, 23, was identified by authorities as the suspect in the homicide. The Sacramento Police Department said Wednesday night detectives had arrested him at around 5 p.m. near Marconi Avenue and Calderwood Lane after a "relentless" search.
Despite having the same last name, police said there was no familial relation between the suspect and the victim. Police also said both men were experiencing homelessness.
It happened at around 4:45 p.m. in the Downtown Commons just yards away from the G1C's entrance as crowds were entering the arena for a Christian rock concert. Sacramento police said the victim was stabbed at least one time and was pronounced dead at an area hospital.
Crime tape and barricades blocked concertgoers from the gruesome crime scene. Investigators took photos and processed evidence of the bloody scene.
"I mean, definitely shocked," said concertgoer RayAnn Culver. "I know it's Sacramento and, you know, various things happen, but DOCO seems like a family-friendly area, especially at a Christian concert that you're about to attend."
Even with the proximity of the crime scene to the front doors of the arena, the concert, headlined by Lauren Daigle, went on. Many fans didn't even notice the homicide investigation right next to them.
"I am a little taken back by it," Culver said. "I don't know if it's just deciding not to look or if they're just not aware of what's going on."
"It's pretty scary," concertgoer Cal Bard said. "I mean, I have a younger niece who is seven that I know is coming to this concert, and as you look around, there are a lot of younger individuals that are coming to this concert. I'm actually happy that they've done a good job barricading this."
With a downtown facing concerns over public safety and violent crime, homicide investigators are now at the front doorstep of its greatest civic asset in the G1C.
Police also noted that they believe both the victim and suspect were "experiencing homelessness."