BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Screaming and banging noises are heard, then a young girl runs outside. She’s followed by a man.
“Stop! Stop doing that!” she yells. She runs back inside the apartment, outside the camera’s view, as the man flees.
Moments later, the child is heard asking her mother if she’s OK.
The girl seen in the surveillance video played for jurors this week is one of the daughters of Yolanda Rojo, who was fatally stabbed at an apartment in east Bakersfield in March.
The girl identified her father, Victor Farias Jr., as the attacker. Two of Rojo’s children, 4 and 6, were present when she was stabbed.
The video, taken from a camera positioned outside the apartment, was played for jurors Monday at the start of Farias’ murder trial. Half the courtroom was filled with family and friends of Rojo, some of whom sniffled as their loved one’s cries issued from the speakers.
17 News will live blog the trial on Wednesday. It’s scheduled to resume at 9:30 a.m.
Arrested in Tehachapi hours after the March 25 stabbing, Farias has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and child cruelty, among other charges. He faces a life term in prison if convicted.
Rojo suffered 14 stab wounds and was pronounced dead at Kern Medical, according to testimony and court filings. Family told police there were prior domestic violence incidents between Rojo and Farias.
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