News Summary
Westminster police have arrested a suspect in the homicide of a homeless man found near the public library. The suspect, a local resident, was identified shortly after the alarming incident. Authorities are still investigating the motive and relationship between the suspect and victim, leaving the community in shock and asking for answers.
Westminster Police Make Arrest in Homicide of Homeless Man
In a shocking turn of events, the quiet city of Westminster in Orange County was shaken by the brutal death of a homeless man found outside the public library on June 2, 2025. The tragedy unfolded when police responded to reports of an unresponsive individual on the 8200 block of 13th Street at around 6:15 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of the man, whose name has yet to be revealed as authorities await notification of his relatives. Sadly, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving the community stunned and mourning a life lost far too soon.
Initial Investigation and Suspect Identification
In the beginning, Westminster police had their work cut out for them. They didn’t find any suspects lurking around the scene immediately and classified the incident as a homicide. With no time to waste, investigators collected evidence from the area, which eventually led them to a potential suspect.
The primary suspect in this heart-wrenching case was identified as 54-year-old James Metcalf, a local resident of Westminster. Interestingly, Metcalf was already in police custody on the same day, suspected of vandalism, before he was linked to the tragic homicide investigation.
Details concerning how law enforcement connected Metcalf to the murder remain under wraps. The clues they gathered must have been compelling enough to zero in on him shortly after the discovery of the victim. It’s worth noting that Metcalf was arrested earlier that day, not far from where the unfortunate incident took place.
Link Between Suspect and Victim Unclear
As investigations continue, authorities remain uncertain if Metcalf had any prior acquaintance with the victim. Speculation looms as the community seeks answers, not only about the suspect’s motives but also about the events leading up to the man’s untimely death. Despite the gravity of the situation, police have not disclosed specific information regarding the nature of the victim’s injuries or if any weapon was involved.
The police department has reassured the public that the incident appears to be isolated, yet the community is left grappling with the reality of violence affecting even its most vulnerable members.
Community Engagement and Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation progresses, local law enforcement is actively seeking assistance from the public. They have encouraged anyone who may have any additional information about this case to step forward. Detective Figueroa can be reached directly at 714-548-3783, while tips can also be submitted to the Westminster Police Watch Commander at 714-548-3767.
For those who wish to remain anonymous, OC Crime Stoppers provides a safe way to report tips, reaching out through their hotline at 1-855-847-6227 or via their website.
A Continuing Search for Answers
As Westminster grapples with the loss of a member of its community, the police and investigators are tireless in their efforts to gather more details about the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death. Authorities have yet to release any further information regarding the victim’s identity, leaving questions lingering in the minds of concerned citizens.
As news continues to develop, it is vital for the community to come together, support one another, and help ensure that justice is served for the homeless man who lost his life too soon on the streets. With so many unknowns at this stage, the story serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the need for vigilance in ensuring the safety of all community members.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- KTLA News
- OC Register
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: Westminster Police Homicide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homicide
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
