BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The trial of a man charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of the mother of his children in east Bakersfield is nearing the end of its second week.
17 News will live blog Thursday’s proceedings in the trial of 34-year-old Victor Farias Jr., which is expected to continue at 9 a.m.
Earlier this week, jurors heard criminologists from the Kern Regional Crime Lab testify to DNA evidence that was recovered and a forensic pathologist detailed the numerous injuries victim Yolanda Rojo suffered.
The stabbing occurred on the night of March 25 at Shadow Ridge Apartments in the 7000 block of College Avenue.
One of Rojo’s daughters, then 6, told officers she witnessed Farias stab her mother. Another child, then 4, also was home.
Footage from a surveillance camera outside the apartment captured screaming and banging noises. It shows the 6-year-old run outside followed by a man.
“Stop! Stop doing that!” she yells before heading back inside as the man flees. She’s heard asking her mom if she’s OK.
The child and her younger sister ran to a neighbor’s home and 911 was called, police said.
A forensic pathologist testified Rojo had dozens of injuries to her body, including a stab wound to her neck that cut through her carotid artery. That wound alone would have been fatal.
Farias was arrested hours later in Tehachapi after his black Nissan Altima was involved in a crash on Highway 58 near the city.
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