The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) responded to a 911 call at on March 3 at 8:20pm reporting gunfire at 950 Hotel Circle North, a popular resort-style hotel near the heart of the Mission Valley district. Upon arrival, officers discovered two men shot outside the hotel: the first victim, a 19-year-old Hispanic man, was found deceased in an interior hallway with at least one gunshot wound to the upper torso, while the second, a 23-year-old Hispanic man, was located outside the lobby with a gunshot wound to the upper body. Despite first aid efforts, the first victim succumbed at the scene, while the second was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident unfolded rapidly, with initial reports at 8:26pm confirming a deceased individual, followed by EMS efforts at 8:38pm to address the severity. Witnesses described the suspected shooter as a short, heavy Hispanic male in his thirties wearing a black shirt, initially believed to have fled in a vehicle.Ìý
However, by 8:30pm, police noted the suspect’s escape in an unknown-color pickup truck, later identified via security footage at 8:48pm as a dark-colored four-door pickup with tinted windows. A significant breakthrough occurred when officers, during a parking lot sweep, located a dark-colored F-150 truck occupied by the suspect. With additional resources, they ordered 29-year-old Kevin Larin out of the vehicle, taking him into custody without incident. Larin has been booked into San Diego County Jail on murder charges.
The Handlery Hotel, a family-owned establishment since 1928 and a favored destination for its central location and amenities, has not issued an official statement, though its 24-hour concierge services likely aided the initial response. SDPD Homicide Lt. Lou Maggi confirmed the details, noting the motive remains under investigation, with no further details on the relationship between the suspect and victims. Mission Valley, known for its shopping hubs and proximity to Snapdragon Stadium, has faced safety concerns with recent fires linked to homeless encampments, but this shooting stands out as a rare violent hotel incident.Ìý
SDPD is actively canvassing for evidence and witnesses, urging anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
This article will be updated as the investigation unfolds.
Originally published on March 3, 2025. Updated on March 4, 2025.Ìý
Double Shooting at Handlery Hotel
950 Hotel Cir N
