SAN DIEGO — A man was found stabbed to death Thursday in a City Heights-area vacant lot being used as a camp by homeless people.

The discovery in a foliage-choked ravine off the 5000 block of Wightman Street was reported shortly before 9:30 a.m., according to San Diego police.

The unidentified victim, is a 49-year-old white male who was stabbed several times in the upper torso, Lt. Paul Rorrison said.

Several articles of clothing, soaked in blood, were found about 30 feet away, according to Rorrison.

“He has suffered significant trauma to the upper body,” said Rorrison.

As investigators and evidence technicians were combing through the lot where the body was found, residents were asking why the city has not installed more lights and other safety measures in the area.

One woman, who runs a school nearby, said the city had promised to turn the creek bed into a park.

“The mayor came out and did a groundbreaking with the understanding there would be a park here pretty soon. We haven’t seen anyone since then…I think if this was a well-kept park, this would not have happened,” said Marnie Narr, director of City Heights Prep Charter School.

FOX 5 called the city’s park and recreation department about the allegations and it issued the following statement:

“The park’s construction is on track. They will be at Council this week to secure the final bit of funding needed to begin construction of the project. They expect construction to begin at the end of this summer and anticipate having the park open to the public by the end of next summer.”

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