22-year-old man arrested after fatal stabbing in Menifee – The Press-Enterprise

A 22-year-old man has been arrested in the stabbing death of an acquaintance in Menifee, authorities said.

The stabbing occurred around 3:40 p.m. Friday in the area of Copper River Road, where officers found a man with stab wounds to his upper body, according to the Menifee Police Department. The victim, whose age was not immediately available, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect fled on foot prior to the arrival of officers. Based on the proximity to Bolder Ridge Elementary School, officers immediately placed the campus on lockdown as a cautionary measure.

The suspect, identified by police as Samuel McNeal Jr. of Menifee, was later located and taken into custody. McNeal was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center.

Police said the suspect and victim apparently knew each other. Officers determined that the stabbing was an isolated crime, and following the arrest, the school lockdown was lifted.

Anyone with additional information about the suspect or the stabbing can contact Detective Josh Ramirez at jramirez@menifeepolice.org, or 951-723-1618.