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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The stabbing occurred on the night of March 25 at Shadow Ridge Apartments in the 7000 block of College Avenue.<\/p>\n
One of Rojo’s daughters, then 6, told officers she witnessed Farias stab her mother. Another child, then 4, also was home.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Stop! Stop doing that!” she yells before heading back inside as the man flees. She’s heard asking her mom if she’s OK.<\/p>\n
The child and her younger sister ran to a neighbor’s home and 911 was called, police said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Farias was arrested hours later in Tehachapi after his black Nissan Altima was involved in a crash on Highway 58 near the city.<\/p>\n