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A suspect charged with involuntary manslaughter in an attack that killed a 52-year-old man last week in East Palo Alto pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Angel Ibarra Jr., 53, is accused of forcefully slapping Andres Henriquez Gomez in the face on Sept. 3, an assault that left Henriquez Gomez with significant facial injuries. A few hours after the alleged attack, Henriquez Gomez died at a hospital, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.
The altercation began around 2 p.m. as Henriquez Gomez and Ibarra were sitting outside the La Estrellita Market at University Avenue and Bay Road in East Palo Alto. The pair were friends, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
According to prosecutors, Henriquez Gomez said something that angered Ibarra. Then, while Henriquez Gomez was sitting, Ibarra got up, walked toward Henriquez Gomez and slapped him forcefully in the face and nose area with an open hand.
Henriquez Gomez was bleeding profusely from his nose but got up, walked around and then sat back down. Ibarra walked into a nearby barbershop after the alleged attack.
Police and paramedics responded to the scene. Police said that they originally responded to the area because they had received reports of a man disrobing and acting erratically.
First responders found Henriquez Gomez still bleeding upon arrival and he was taken to a nearby hospital. Henriquez Gomez identified Ibarra as his alleged attacker, police said.
Two hours later, Henriquez Gomez was pronounced dead. His cause of death is still unknown as autopsy results have not been released.
When Ibarra learned of the victim’s death, he was in disbelief and extremely upset, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Ibarra is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, assault likely to cause great bodily injury, and a felony parole violation.
A judge denied bail for Ibarra, who remains in custody. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 22.
This story was written by Alise Maripuu for Bay City News.
