By Sarah Elizabeth Villicana, The Porterville Recorder

The lone survivor of Sunday's fatal knife attack remained hospitalized Tuesday at Sierra View District Hospital.

Porterville Police Department Sgt. Bob Blankenship said 33-year-old Alfonso Eredia's condition was improving but still serious. Jose Manuel Lopez, 39, and Eredia, both of Porterville, were transported to Sierra View Sunday after witnesses reported a fight, police said in a prepared statement.

Lopez died from his injuries at Sierra View.

Blankenship said police are investigating the possibility the homicide and assault were gang-related.

“There had been prior contacts with both victims,” Blankenship said. “It's still early in the investigation and detectives are working on several leads.”

He would not confirm whether or not the victims are known participants in a criminal street gang.

Police dispatchers received several calls Sunday from witnesses about 9:40 p.m., reporting a fight in the 400 block of Union Avenue.

Officers responded to the scene where they reported finding two victims in the roadway. Both suffered numerous stab wounds.

Witnesses to Sunday's stabbing may be the key to apprehending a suspect.

“We have located witnesses,” Blankenship said. He added that witnesses were able to provide detectives detailed descriptions of possible suspects.

Police are looking for three men believed to be involved in the homicide and assault. Police are also looking for a white, newer model, American made, four-door sedan.

Lopez's death marks the fifth homicide in Porterville this year.

Contact Sarah Villicana at 784-5000, Ext. 1045, or svillicana@portervillerecorder.com.

This story was published in The Porterville Recorder on August 2, 2006