A man who fatally stabbed another man in a public restroom along the Pacific Beach boardwalk was sentenced today to 16 years to life in state prison.
Martin Alvarez, 36, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the Aug. 16, 2020, slaying of Michael Wagley, 39.
Wagley was found mortally wounded at about 7:30 p.m. in the lavatory at 700 Grand Ave. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Prosecutors allege Alvarez attacked the victim from behind, stabbing him in the neck with a multi-tool blade, then stabbing him several more times while the victim lay on the ground.
At his sentencing hearing, Alvarez’s attorney, Pedro Garcia, read a letter written by his client. In it, he stated that he went to the restroom to rinse off his multi-tool in order to work on his bike.
Once in the bathroom, he saw Wagley, who he believed had tried to steal his backpack a few days earlier.
“I got scared and in the heat of the moment, I reacted. I didn’t realize I was reacting with the multi-tool in my hand,” Alvarez wrote.
He stated that he knew he had been in an altercation, but didn’t realize until later what had actually happened.
Following the stabbing, witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing on a bicycle, San Diego Police Department Lt. Andra Brown said.
The lieutenant said Alvarez, who matched the suspect description, was detained in the area and later arrested.
