Suspect in Fatal Bar Fight Surrenders

One of the men police were seeking in connection with the beating death of a bouncer at in South Redondo Beach surrendered at the at about 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

Francisco "Frank" Cobarruvias Jr. is accused of beating Terie Colecchi early Saturday morning. Colecchi died from his injuries at the hospital.

Cobarruvias, 35, showed up unannounced with his attorney at the front counter of the police department, police Lt. Joe Hoffman said in a news release. He surrendered without incident.

Cobarruvias was booked on suspicion of murder, and his bail was set at $1 million, Hoffman said. He is due to appear at the Torrance Courthouse on Monday.

His lawyer, Jeffrey Gray, told Daily Breeze reporter Larry Altman that his client is not guilty.

"We voluntarily surrendered at the Police Department today," Gray told Altman. "Walked right in the front door, ready to face the alleged charges."

Gray compared the case to the Brian Stowe assault at Dodger Stadium last year. In that case, police initially arrested the wrong man.

Police arrested Carson resident Alejandro Avina, 30, on Saturday on suspicion of murder; however, he was released earlier this week after the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office declined to file charges at the time. Prosecutors may refile in the future.

In an interview with Altman, Avina said he was sleeping at home at the time of the beating.

Anyone with information regarding Saturday's incident is asked to call the tip line at 310-937-6685, text 310-339-2362 or email crimetips@redondo.org. People may also contact the police department directly at 310-379-2477.