Suspect Charged in Fatal Bar Fight

A man suspected of fatally beating a bouncer at in South Redondo Beach to death was officially charged Monday, the Daily Breeze reported.

Citing Deputy District Attorney Erica Jerez, Breeze reporter Larry Altman said Francisco "Frank" Cobarruvias Jr., 35, to Redondo Beach police last Thursday, faces one count of murder. He was set to be arraigned Monday.

Cobarruvias is accused of beating Torrance resident Terie Colecchi, 49, to death outside the South Redondo Beach bar on June 2 after Colecchi denied him and another man entry shortly before closing time, police said. Witnesses called 911 and Colecchi was transported to Harbor General Hospital, where he died.

Cobarruvias' lawyer has said this is a case of mistaken identity.

Bartenders at Pats II Cocktails told Easy Reader reporter Chelsea Sektnan that Cobarruvias was a regular at the bar.

Another man who police believe was involved in the beating, Alejandro Avina, 30, of Carson, was pending further investigation, Sgt. Shawn Freeman said at the time.