BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) A woman arrested in connection with a deadly stabbing in southwest Bakersfield has been released as investigators continue looking into what happened and whether she acted in self-defense.
On Sunday, Cecilee Diaz was arrested in connection with the stabbing death of Anthony Bodoh on Thatch Avenue.
In an interview with Eyewitness News, Diaz’s mother said Diaz had been abused by Bodoh and claimed Diaz acted in self-defense.
When asked whether Diaz had previously reported abuse, Diaz’s mother said, “Oh yeah. He’s got more than one case open from beating her up.”
Mother says suspect acted in self-defense in fatal stabbing of Anthony Bodoh (KBAK/KBFX)
Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor and president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, said California law allows deadly force in self-defense only under specific circumstances.
“In California, you can only use deadly force in self-defense if you’re in imminent risk of death or serious bodily injury,” Rahmani said. Rahmani is not involved with the case.
Rahmani said the standard is the same regardless of who uses force.
“So, whether it’s Diaz, or whether it’s anyone – law enforcement or civilian; they’re held to that same standard. And it’s an objective standard. So, what was reasonable under the circumstances?” Rahmani said.
Rahmani also said a history of violence between Diaz and Bodoh could be a factor when determining whether self-defense applies.
“Release leads me to believe that the DA thinks that there may be a viable self-defense case here. Now obviously the facts matter. What Bodoh was doing at the time he was stabbed,” Rahmani said.
Mother says suspect acted in self-defense in fatal stabbing of Anthony Bodoh (KBAK/KBFX)
Bodoh’s court records show he has been charged multiple times for misdemeanor assault and battery and felony assault, and he is listed on the Megan’s Law website for rape by force of fear. Rahmani said that kind of history could come into play.
“In this particular case, if Diaz and Bodoh had a history of violence and Bodoh was violent towards Diaz, that’s a factor that would weigh in favor of Diaz using deadly force to protect herself,” Rahmani said.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the district attorney’s office said the case has been returned to Bakersfield police for further investigation due to insufficient evidence supporting the criminal charges.
Mother says suspect acted in self-defense in fatal stabbing of Anthony Bodoh (KBAK/KBFX)
As of Tuesday, Diaz was no longer listed in custody on the Kern County Sheriff’s Office website. Diaz’s mother said Diaz has been released on bail.