Tragedy in Torrance (90503) : Father Fatally Stabs 9-Year-Old Son, Refuses to Drop Knife – STANDOFF ENDS IN ARREST

Torrance (90503) –  A horrifying act of domestic violence shattered a Southern California neighborhood Monday evening after police say a father fatally stabbed his 9-year-old son inside their Torrance apartment, then refused to comply with responding officers while still holding the bloodied weapon. The suspect, 39-year-old Kevin Olivares, is now in custody facing murder charges, and the community is grappling with the senseless loss of a young life.

According to the Torrance Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 3700 block of Emerald Street around 6:15 p.m. following a 911 call from a neighbor who heard screams. When officers arrived, they found the boy unresponsive and covered in stab wounds inside the unit. Olivares, standing nearby with a knife in hand, ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon, prompting a tense standoff in the hallway.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Torrance father fatally stabs 9-year-old son during domestic incident

• IMPACT: 1 child dead, suspect in custody after armed standoff with police

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “A heartbreaking crime beyond words” – Chief Jay Hart

• ACTION: Community urged to report domestic distress signs before escalation

Officers ultimately subdued Olivares using non-lethal force and took him into custody. Paramedics pronounced the child dead at the scene. Authorities have not released the victim’s name pending family notification.

“This is a devastating incident that has left our entire department shaken,” said Torrance Police Chief Jay Hart. “No child deserves such violence — especially from someone who is supposed to protect them.”

The motive remains under investigation, but neighbors reported recent shouting matches and signs of mental distress in the household. Local leaders are calling for stronger early-intervention resources and mental health outreach in high-risk homes.

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Torrance (90503) – Emerald Street near Del Amo Fashion Center

2. Community Connection:
   “We heard the sirens and saw them dragging him out. I can’t believe this happened here.”
   (Attribution: – Marco Li, local resident and father of two)

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  This marks the third child homicide linked to domestic violence in Los Angeles County this summer, underscoring a troubling spike in family-related tragedies. Experts point to a lack of accessible mental health resources for struggling parents and overburdened family courts unable to respond swiftly to warning signs. The Torrance case — involving neighbors who say they “heard things but didn’t know what to do” — has sparked renewed urgency around mandatory intervention protocols and public awareness campaigns.

Update Log

• 6:15 PM: 911 call reports child screaming at Emerald Street apartment

• 6:21 PM: Officers arrive, find child unresponsive and suspect armed

• 6:29 PM: Police use taser to subdue suspect, child pronounced dead

• 10:00 AM (Next Day): DA confirms formal murder charge; arraignment set for Friday