Man found bludgeoned to death in North Laguna home

Laguna Beach police are interviewing friends and associates of Damon Nicholson, who was found bludgeoned to death Friday afternoon in his Dolphin Way home by a co-worker.

Nicholson, 41, was the catering manager at the Hotel Laguna. He had not shown up for a scheduled appointment that day, Lt. Jason Kravetz said.

Nicholson was found on his couch in the secluded duplex on a quiet North Laguna street. A sliding glass door was ajar, but Kravetz said it was not clear whether the assailant had broken into the home or had been let in.

No weapon has been found, he said.

“We have multiple theories of the crime,” Kravetz said. “We are doing a background investigation on him.”

The incident is the city’s first murder in seven years, and has shocked the police force, which was familiar with Nicholson from events at the hotel.

“We are asking for the public’s help, if anyone heard or saw anything in the area in the early morning hours of Friday,” Kravetz said.

Nicholson was last seen alive at his work on Thursday evening and police believe he was killed early morning on Friday. He died from blunt force trauma to the head, Kravetz said.

Anyone with information should call the Investigations Division at (949) 497-0371.