Drug-induced attack leaves 1 dead, 2 hospitalized in Southern California

A Southern California man was arrested after a violent, drug-induced attack left one person dead and two others hospitalized.

The suspect was identified as Derick Laija, 34, from Ontario, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

On Sept. 17, deputies responded to a home on the 3300 block of Bluegrass Avenue in San Bernardino County shortly before 8 p.m.

Authorities discovered three people with injuries at the residence. One victim, Hadgu Abraham, 61, was found outside the home with blunt-force trauma to his head. He later died from his injuries.

His wife, Freweiny Abraham, 61, suffered injuries to her head and his son, Asmerom Abraham, 31, had injuries on his head, upper body and lower body. They were rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.

Authorities learned the suspect, Laija, was living in a short-term rental near the victims’ home.

Lajia was believed to be “under the influence of psilocybin mushrooms and was demonstrating erratic behavior at the time,” deputies said.

He reportedly broke into the victims’ home and attempted to steal their car.

When the family confronted him, that’s when he brutally assaulted them, officials said. A bat was also discovered at the crime scene.

Laija was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information on the case is urged to call Detective Francisco Demara at 909-890-4904. Anonymous tips can be provided to We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.com.

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