By Sara Beth Williams–
A man assaulted on Aug. 20 at a shopping center in Citrus Heights has died, according to the victim’s friends and family.
65-year-old Alexander Tarahteeff died on Oct. 1, roughly six weeks after being assaulted while at a shopping plaza in Citrus Heights. The Sacramento County Coroner’s office has recorded the death as a homicide.
Longtime friend of Tarahteeff Daniel Dubuk said there will be a funeral held on Oct. 9. A GoFundMe has also been set up by the victim’s friends, to help with expenses for the funeral for Tarahteeff.
Dubuk recounted that, on Aug. 20, while approaching one of the homeless men he knew, “Tarahteeff was punched, struck his head against a brick wall, and suffered devastating brain injuries.”
Tarahteeff’s nephew, Nicholas, said his uncle was rushed into emergency surgery following the assault due to bleeding in his brain. He did not wake up following surgery and was in a coma for roughly 40 or so days, his nephew said.
“While he was hospitalized, several people really stepped up to be there for him, especially Paul Komarchuk, along with Tony and Esther, pastors whom Alex respected. After fighting for his life, Alex passed away on October 1,” Dubuk said.
Tarahteeff is survived by only two known relatives, Nicholas and Dubuk confirmed. His nephew said he had not spoken to Tarahteeff in two years, and was alerted to his uncle’s passing when the hospital conducted a search for relatives.
Both also said that Tarahteeff’s body is still undergoing an autopsy because of the nature of his death being ruled a homicide. Some of his personal items are also still being held as evidence.
“I believe there needs to be a bigger push and help to get the sick and criminals off the streets. I hope that Alex’s loss of life can push the local leaders to take action,” Dubuk said.
Through interviews and public records obtained by The Sentinel, the suspect in the assault has been identified as 40-year-old Michael Cavalier.
Homeless advocate Alfred Sanchez, known as “Snack Man,” because he provides snacks, hygiene supplies, and resources to the unhoused in the area of Greenback Lane and Auburn Boulevard, said Cavalier is a known transient in the area.
Video taken by The Sentinel at 2:25 p.m. shows police interacting with a man who was holding a knife or other sharp object to his neck. Westbound lanes on Auburn Boulevard were temporarily closed as police cruisers followed the man through the middle of the street.
Citrus Heights Police Department arrest logs show Cavalier was arrested on Aug. 20 for assault with a weapon. Main jail records show Cavalier was booked on Aug. 20 and is still in custody.
Records show Cavalier is ineligible for bail and is charged with battery leading to serious bodily injury, resisting a peace officer by force or violence, and brandishing a weapon while resisting arrest.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said Monday afternoon it does not appear Cavalier has a murder charge at this time. The Sentinel has reached out to Citrus Heights Police for more information on whether or not new charges will be filed against Cavalier.
Past arrest log records for Cavalier show an arrest in Citrus Heights in April 2026 for the possession of controlled substances. Following April’s arrest, records show Cavalier was arrested multiple times by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department in April, May, and July for outstanding warrants. Records also show Cavalier had several arrests in 2022 and three in 2025, with both Citrus Heights Police and Sacramento County.
Citrus Heights Police Sgt. Eric Dias told The Sentinel on Aug. 20 that the suspect was taken into custody and that the incident did not result in any shooting or involve gunfire. Police scanner radio traffic indicated the assault was the result of one man punching the other man.
Information obtained from a public records request shows at least 27 police personnel responded to the scene at some point, according to the report, including seven detectives, two crime-scene investigators, five sergeants, and two lieutenants plus a K-9 officer. Sgt. David Jones informed The Sentinel on Aug. 21 that multiple officers were already in the vicinity across the street on another assignment and were able to respond to the assault “within minutes.”
The Sentinel requested and received a public records request for information promptly within one business day.
In response to a request for body camera footage and 911 audio, Citrus Heights Police Public Records did not disclose the requested media information, saying in a statement, “The City has determined that the audio and footage collected for this incident is exempt from disclosure pursuant to California Government Code § 7923.600(a).”
