A 24-year-old La Jolla man died in the hospital Monday, May 28, after he was beaten May 25 by a group of four men at his Draper Avenue home.
Emery Kauanui, who was a La Jolla High School graduate and professional surfer, and another man were involved in a confrontation around midnight Thursday, May 24, at a bar in the 7500 block of Fay Avenue and were reportedly asked to leave by management.
Less than two hours later, the same man showed up at Kauanui’s home on Draper Avenue with three others and began punching and kicking the victim outside the residence in the street, according to Lt. Kevin Rooney of the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit.
“There is always a possibility there may have been more involved, but at this point we believe there were only four involved,” Rooney said.
Witnesses at the scene saw three men flee in a dark-colored SUV, Rooney said, adding that responding officers took one 20-year-old male suspect into custody that night.
Emery, a pro surfer who was well recognized within the community, suffered head injuries and was transported to an unidentified hospital where he later died, according to police reports.
Northern Division and homicide officers arrested Eric House, 20, and Seth Craven, 21, early Tuesday morning. Orlando Osuna, 22, was arrested Monday. All three men were arrested at La Jolla residences.
The fourth suspect, Matthew Yanke, surrendered Tuesday afternoon at police headquarters. Although police are still investigating the motive behind the assault, Rooney confirmed that the suspects and the victim appeared to be acquaintances.