Renato Eustaquio Obituary, Death – A 60-year-old man who was killed in one of two violent machete attacks in downtown Los Angeles has been identified by local authorities. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the victim’s identity as Renato Eustaquio. He was fatally wounded in an attack that took place early Sunday morning.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the first incident occurred around 12:05 a.m. on the 1100 block of South Grand Avenue. Witnesses described the attacker as a shirtless man armed with a machete. Eustaquio was found at the scene with severe injuries and was pronounced dead despite efforts by emergency personnel to save his life.
While officers were attempting to perform lifesaving measures on Eustaquio, they received another report of a second violent incident, described as an “ambulance cutting.” This second attack took place nearby, at 1026 South Broadway.
Upon arriving at the second scene, LAPD officers discovered another injured victim. This individual was identified by KTLA 5 as Kyle Levitt, a chef who had been walking home from work when he was attacked. Officers provided first aid and quickly began gathering information from witnesses about the possible suspect involved. A search of the surrounding area led to the discovery of a man believed to be the attacker, along with the suspected weapon.
Levitt later shared details of the terrifying encounter with KTLA. He explained that he had no warning before the attacker came up behind him. “By the time I looked up and saw the reflection in the door, I noticed a man running up behind me,” he said. “I put my arms up to say stop and that’s when he hit me again.”
Levitt sustained serious injuries from the assault. He received multiple wounds to the head that required staples to treat. The most severe injury was to his right wrist, which was nearly severed during the attack. Describing the moment he realized the severity of his injuries, Levitt said, “My tendons were cut completely down to the bone. My artery was cut, and he was over me at this point and that is the first time that I’d seen that he had the knife in his hand.”
As of Sunday evening, Levitt was reported to be in stable condition while receiving care at the hospital.
Authorities have taken a suspect into custody in connection with both attacks. The man is said to be 26 years old, though his name has not yet been released. At this time, officials have not provided information about a possible motive or what charges the suspect may face.
The LAPD continues to investigate the back-to-back attacks and is working to determine whether the suspect had any prior connection to the victims or if the assaults were random acts of violence.
The twin incidents have raised concern among downtown Los Angeles residents, as both attacks occurred in close proximity and within minutes of each other. The violence has prompted calls for increased public safety measures, particularly during late-night hours when foot traffic from workers and residents is still active.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are asking anyone with additional information to come forward. In the meantime, the community is mourning the loss of Renato Eustaquio and expressing support for Kyle Levitt as he recovers from his traumatic injuries.