Kechechian Murder Suspect Claims Self-Defense

Accused killer Justin Tombleson's attorney said he understands why people assume his client is guilty, but predicted the evidence would eventually exonerate the 28-year-old murder suspect.

Tombleson is accused of fatally stabbing early Saturday morning.

But attorney George Vincent Vargas said Thursday that his client, whose full name is Justin Alvin Masao Tombleson, acted in self-defense.

Kechechian's death followed a inside t at 23591 Rockfield Blvd., near Lake Forest Drive, which spilled into the parking lot where Kechechian and Saidoian were stabbed.

"What happened to Mr. Kechechian is really sad, it's tragic, but the thing is, he shouldn't have been assaulting a woman in the restaurant and assaulting my client in the parking lot," Vargas said.

But the attorney acknowledged that Tombleson's criminal record—jail time for multiple battery and assault convictions—might make it difficult to persuade a jury of his innocence.

"At first glance, if I didn't know more, I'd be the same way—'Hang 'em,' " Vargas said. "Upon a closer review, I think a different story is going to come out."

Vargas said Tombleson came to him Saturday of his own accord, wanting to turn himself in to authorities and explain his actions. "He wanted to come forward immediately," Vargas said.

Tombleson had injuries to his forehead and knees, Vargas said, and his lip looked like a tooth had punctured it as a result of a punch or kick to the face.

On Monday afternoon, Tombleson went to the Sheriff's Department, accompanied by his lawyer, but made no statements to investigators.

According to Vargas, authorities had no idea who Tombleson was or that he had been involved in the fight when he turned himself in.

The Sheriff's Department did not return calls seeking comment for this article.

Vargas said he had not yet spoken with Tombleson about why he fled the scene that night, but assumes Tombleson "panicked." He declined to comment on why Vargas had a knife with him that night or where the weapon is now.

"Those are all questions that will be answered in trial," Vargas said.

Investigators, after interviewing 61 witnesses, didn't buy the self-defense idea. They quickly charged Tombleson with murder and attempted murder, as well as sentencing enhancements related to his previous assault conviction.

Vargas' version of events is also at odds with the account described by a , as told to him by one of the four men who went to the restaurant that night.

The next court date for Tombleson, who pleaded not guilty Wednesday afternoon in Santa Ana, is June 23. He remains in custody on $1-million bail.