CASE OF INTEREST

Date: July 9, 2004

Case: People v. Erwin Victor Cardenas, Case Number 03F11100

Contact: Lani L. Biafore, Deputy District Attorney
Domestic Violence Unit, Supervising District Attorney Tom Johnson
Telephone: 916-874-7890

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today the sentencing of Erwin Victor Cardenas to life in prison with the possibility of parole plus nine years for violations of Penal Code Section 664/187(a)/664(a)-premeditated attempted murder, Penal Code Section 646.9(b)-stalking, Penal Code Section 273.5(a)-corporal injury to a spouse, Penal Code Section 245(a)(1)-assault with a deadly weapon to wit: a knife, and Penal Code Section 273.6-disobeying a court order. On Friday, July 9, 2004, the Honorable Talmadge R. Jones sentenced the defendant to life in prison with the possibility of parole plus nine years. At the time of the sentencing, the defendant showed no remorse, failed to accept responsibility and did not acknowledge any wrongdoing.

On the morning of December 22, 2003, the defendant went to the victim's residence at the time he knew she would be leaving for work. He parked down the street, waited behind a parked car for her, and took out a knife. When she exited her residence, the defendant ran toward her with the knife as she attempted to get into her car. He chased her into the street and stabbed her four times while she was struggling and screaming for help. The victim suffered two stab wounds to her chest, a stab wound in her right hand, and a stab wound through the tongue. The defendant finally stopped when his son came to the victim's aid. At the time of the incident, the victim had a valid restraining order against the defendant due to his constant harassment of her and her two sons. Since his arrest, the defendant has continued to attempt to contact the victim by telephone and by mail while in custody at the main jail.

Deputy District Attorney Lani Biafore stated, "This defendant is truly scary. He stabbed his ex-wife multiple times in an attempt to kill her, including stabbing her in the mouth to quiet her screams. Mr. Cardenas claims he is a good man who loves his wife and family. The jury thought otherwise."

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