DA charges transient with attempted murder in Santa Monica beach attacks
An unhoused convicted sex offender faces several felony charges, including attempted rape and attempted murder, in Monday’s attacks on three female beachgoers in Santa Monica, prosecutors announced on Thursday.
Jawann Dwayne Garnett, 32, was arrested after witnesses said he first assaulted a 17-year-old girl just north of the Santa Monica Pier and then punched, bit and attempted to sexually assault a 25-year-old woman who intervened.
“Immediately after, Garnett allegedly grabbed a 72-year-old woman and dragged her to the ocean where he pushed her head into the water several times,” the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
A lifeguard and police officers rushed to her aid and took Garnett into custody at the shoreline.
The 17-year-old girl was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The two other victims were not seriously hurt.
“These victims have endured incredible pain and suffering, and our hearts go out to them during this incredibly difficult time,” said District Attorney George Gascón. “The terror of these crimes is shocking and disturbing. We will work diligently to hold this offender accountable and pursue justice for the victims.”
Garnett is charged with two counts of attempted murder, one count of child abuse, one count of assault, one count of attempted sex assault and one count of kidnapping.
He was being held on $2,230,000 bond. If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department, Garnett was convicted of a 2021 sex assault in Los Angeles and was recently arrested for failing to register as a sex offender.
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