Assault near Tierra Shores is now a homicide, police say

Police announced today they are now investigating an assault first reported here Dec. 8 as a homicide after the victim died from his injuries.

Paul Leon Smith, 53, died at a local hospital on Monday, according to a Sheriff's Department news release. Members of the Sheriff's Department Homicide Unit and Perris Station investigators are handling the case. The suspect has not been located.

Police responded at 10:49 a.m. Dec. 7 to the area of Briggs Road and Old Newport Road near the Tierra Shores community of Menifee to the report of a man down. Life saving procedures were performed and the victim was transported to a hospital, where he died four days later, according to the news release. Prior to the assault, the victim was seen riding a bike with a trailer attachment in the area, police said.

Residents of the area told Menifee 24/7 the day of the assault that multiple police vehicles were gathered on Briggs Road between Old Newport Road and Angler Lane, at the entrance to the gated community. A resident told Menifee 24/7 today that investigators are back at the gate, asking if anyone knows anything about the victim. Some residents have described him as a homeless man.

Details of the victim's fatal injuries have not been released. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Investigator Nelson Gomez of the Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit at 760-393-3527.