Police release suspect in Redondo Beach bartender beating
Alejandro Avina, 30, and Francisco 'Frank Cobarruivas Jr, 35.
Police released Alejandro Avina, one of the two men suspected in the beating death of Pats II Cocktails bartender Terie Colecchi, late Monday evening.
“He has been released from custody pending further investigation,” Redondo Beach police Sgt. Shawn Freeman said.
Around noon on Saturday, Avina was arrested after police saw him drive past the house in South Redondo where the Audi that witnesses saw at the scene of the crime was found.
“We were watching the location and he just happened to drive by,” Redondo Beach police Sgt. Fabian Saucedo said.
The pair was wanted by police on suspicion of murder. Avina initially was held at the RBPD jail on $1 million bail and was scheduled to appear for arraignment in the Torrance Courthouse on June 5. However, he was released pending further investigation on his whereabouts during the time of the attack.
According to a Daily Breeze report, Avina claims he was asleep at his home in Carson at the time of Colecchi’s beating. Avina’s mother corroborates her son’s alibi.
“At this time, I don’t see Avina as a danger to the public,” Freeman said. It’s not uncommon for police to release a suspect pending further investigation, Freeman said, continuing, “We want to make sure we do a thorough investigation.”
Police are still on the look-out for the second suspect, Francisco “Frank” Cobarruvias. He is described as Hispanic, 30-35 years of age, 5’8″, around 180 lbs. He has black hair and had his hair in a ponytail. Police do not believe he knew the victim and police do not believe the incident was gang related. According to police, he is a single father with three kids ranging from three to 11 years old. Authorities believe he is driving a black, 4-door, 1999 BMW 528i with chrome rims and the California license plate 4GTT805. He is believed to be traveling with his children. Police think they could be in the Wilmington area near Banning High School where Cobarruivas has family.
“At this point we want him to come to his senses and turn himself in,” said Saucedo. “We are not sure where he is but we do need the public’s help [finding him].”
Pats II Cocktails will host a memorial potluck for Colecchi at noon on Sunday. There will be a raffle with donated goods and services from local businesses to help pay for funeral expenses.
Redondo Beach police are still requesting the public’s assistance with information regarding the fatal fight and the whereabouts of Cobarruivas. Call the RBPD tip line at 310-937-6685 or text 310-339-2362.