Police identify second suspect in Redondo Beach bouncer murder

Rene Anthony Avina has been identified in the second suspect in the bouncer beating death that happened early morning June 2.
Rene Anthony Avina has been identified in the second suspect in the bouncer beating death that happened early morning June 2.
Rene Anthony Avina has been identified in the second suspect in the bouncer beating death that happened early morning June 2.

Rene Anthony Avina has been identified as the second suspect in the bouncer beating death that happened early morning June 2.

Police have identified Rene Anthony Avina, 23, as a second suspect in the early morning beating-death of Pats II Cocktails bouncer Terie Colecchi, 49, on June 2.

The police are actively searching for Avina. He is thought to be the second cousin of Francisco “Frank” Cobarruvias Jr. and the nephew of the person initially arrested for the slaying, Alejandro Avina. Cobarruvias was immediately identified as the main suspect and after five days on the run turned himself into the RBPD on June 7.

“Cobarruvias showed up unannounced at the front counter of the police department with an attorney and surrendered without incident,” a release from the RBPD said.

He was booked on suspicion of murder and the district attorney charged him with one count of murder on Monday. His bail was set at one million dollars.

Police originally suspected Alejandro Avina, 30, of being involved in the beating because his white Audi was used as the get-away car at the scene of the crime. During the time of the beating, he claimed to be at home in Carson sleeping. Police declined to comment on the content of surveillance videos from the time of the crime.

“We had probable cause to arrest him,” said Redondo Beach police Sgt. Shawn Freeman. “That we released him and didn’t charge him shows that we are doing our jobs. We want to make sure we have the right person.”

The most recent booking photo of Francisco “Frank” Cobarruvias Jr

The most recent booking photo of Francisco “Frank” Cobarruvias Jr

The newly identified suspect, Rene Avina, is described as being Hispanic, 23 years-old, 5’10” and around 200 pounds with black hair and black eyes. His is a known resident of Carson, but police believe he could be in Riverside.

“We’ve executed three search warrants for other locations [Rene] Avina could be located,” said Freeman. “At this point we don’t know where he is and haven’t been able to find him. We do have detectives out there right now trying to locate him.”

According to Freeman, they let Alejandro Avina free from jail and dropped the initial charges the same day they were able to pinpoint Rene Avina as the correct suspect. Rene Avina is currently wanted on suspicion of murder.

At the time of the murder, police also released information that Cobarruvias was traveling with his children. Police don’t know for sure where the children are located now, but understand they are safe and with family members.

“Hopefully [Rene] Avina will turn himself in like Cobarruvias did,” said Freeman. “Or a member of the public will see him and we’ll be able to find him soon.”

If you have information as to the whereabouts of Rene Avina, please call the RBPD department at 310-937-6685 or text 310-339-2362. ER

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