On April 30, 2023, the Yolo County Coroner’s Office positively identified the victim of the violent attack that occurred at Sycamore Park as Karim Abou Najm, a 20-year-old UC Davis student and graduate of Davis High School. The Davis Police Department is actively investigating this case as a homicide. Despite conducting an exhaustive search of the area surrounding the park for the suspect with the support of other Yolo County law enforcement agencies using
canines and drones, the suspect has not yet been located. The suspect is described as a light-skinned male, possibly Hispanic, 5’-7” to 5’-8” tall, 19-23 years of age, with long curly loose hair. He was last seen wearing a light-colored T-shirt, and a button-up shirt over it, and riding a men’s bike with straight handlebars.
This is the second fatal stabbing occurring in Davis in the last 4 days. Although there are common factors between these two brutal crimes, such as the brutal nature of the crimes and that the suspect likely used a knife, there are no known connections between the victims; investigators are still determining whether the incidents are linked. The Davis Police Department is working closely with all county law enforcement partners, including the FBI and the California Department of Justice, to support our ongoing investigation.
The Davis Police Department elected to send out safety notifications to the public this morning to avoid contamination of the scene and surrounding areas as well as to avoid tipping off the suspect, allowing time for the destruction of evidence. Officers continue to follow up and several tips that have been received which have resulted in arrests made on unrelated charges or outstanding warrants, although none of these individuals have been linked to the murders.
One person of interest was contacted by officers within 5 blocks of the crime scene who closely matched the suspect description. Physical evidence was collected and a search warrant was issued for a location in Davis that the subject is associated with. The subject was later booked at the Yolo County Jail for an outstanding warrant issued out of Placer County for public intoxication and resisting arrest.
The Department understands the uncertainty, fear and panic that is arising in the community. A substantial number of extra officers have been deployed to conduct directed patrols around schools and parks, and to ensure an enhanced public safety presence throughout the City. At this time, it is strongly recommended that the community remain vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, and call the Davis Police Department if anyone acting violent, suspicious or matching the description provided is seen.
