SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — A San Antonio man accused of killing his estranged wife in 2024 was found guilty by a jury Thursday.
James Mendoza faces up to life in prison for the stabbing death of Stephanie Mendoza at a South Side home. Jurors are expected to determine his punishment Friday morning.
On Aug. 13, 2024, officers responded to a home in the 100 block of Division Avenue for a reported family violence incident. Stephanie Mendoza’s daughter discovered her mother dead inside the home.
Prosecutors said Stephanie Mendoza had been stabbed 32 times. James Mendoza was also found injured at the scene and received medical treatment.
During the trial, witnesses described a troubled relationship and testified that Stephanie had attempted to leave her husband but continued returning to help him.
One friend testified that James Mendoza had grabbed Stephanie by the arm and physically pulled her on several occasions.
Prosecutors argued that Mendoza repeatedly tried to draw his estranged wife back into the relationship by using his medical needs, financial requests and personal belongings as leverage.
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