ICSO: Bail set at $1M for suspect in deadly stabbing

One man is in custody after police said he stabbed a 58-year-old man from El Centro.

Last Thursday, deputies from the Imperial County Sherriff’s Office responded to a call about a stabbing at a home located in the 1900 block of Austin Road.

Lt. Jimmy Duran, with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, said, “Upon arrival, our deputies were able to locate the victim of the stabbing who has been identified as Ruben Beltran.”

The suspect, 30-year-old James McDaniel, was accused of committing the murder.

Duran said, “Based on the information and evidence that they located at the scene, they took James McDaniel into custody.”

The motive behind the murder is still unknown.

“We’re still investigating the intent. At this point the intent…it’s unclear,” said Duran.

McDaniel’s bail is set at $1 million.

Duran added, “At this point, he’s currently incarcerated. The charges he was booked in is for murder. And of course, this will be a case that will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office for prosecution and review.”

Duran said they hope to close the investigation next week.