Scott Robert Smith, 51

Scott Smith, a 51-year-old white man, died Saturday, July 9, two days after he suffered severe head injuries in the 600 block of Rose Avenue in Venice, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Los Angeles police detectives said Smith, a homeless man, was initially believed to have fallen, but witnesses came forward to say his head injuries were the result of an attack.

Paramedics initially picked up the homeless man July 7 about 8 p.m. The next day, a person contacted the department to report seeing Smith being punched and severely injured when he fell to the ground and hit his head, detectives said.

Investigators said they were able to identify another Venice transient, Frank Smith, a 50-year-old black man, as a suspect in the attack. He was arrested July 8 and charged with murder when the victim died of his injuries July 9.

Investigators are requesting anyone who may have witnessed the assault to call them at (310) 482-6372 or (310) 482-6373. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Richard Winton