Pleads not guilty to murder and use of knife

Oceanside police said 24-year-old Arturo Salazar killed the mother of his two children and stuffed her body under the bed they shared, last week. On Thursday, June 13 2013, officers contacted Salazar in his rented home on Leeward Court, after …

Could get life in prison for killing Carlsbad man

Joseph Robertson Verkade has been declared guilty of murder, in the shooting death of a man in his Carlsbad garage more than two years ago. Homeowner Michael Sahagun, 63, was declared dead of a shotgun wound to the chest in …

Police announce $1 million warrant for suspect now in Florida

The mother of a 14-year-old boy who was abducted last Monday said a family member went to pick up the boy at the end of the school day, and they knew just minutes after 3 p.m. that the child had …

Escondido policeman said he expects case to be tried here

Police say a 36-year-old man intercepted a 14-year-old boy on his way home from school in Escondido and absconded with the child across country, to Florida. On Monday, June 10, the boy’s parents immediately reported their son missing when he …

Medical examiner's report described "graze wound" on one arm

A man found shot to death might have put up his arm trying to block the final bullet, based on information contained in a medical examiner’s report, just released. An autopsy was performed on John Charles Upton, 56, the day …

Prosecutor said abuse went on for three years

Jesus Alejandro Solorzano, 38, was declared guilty of 21 counts of child rape by a jury late yesterday, June 5, 2013. Solorzano’s defense attorney first addressed the jury by listing the many awards and commendations the man had earned during …

Child’s father is expected to speak at sentencing next month

“The evidence was overwhelming.” “His testimony was totally unbelievable. He blamed everybody else, everybody else was lying, it was all a conspiracy against him.” “We know the difference 'tween right and wrong.” Jurors made comment in a courthouse hallway after …

Rock singer paid $160,000 premium to post $2 million bail

Timothy Peter Lambesis, 32, bailed out of jail after twenty-four days in custody, he had been arrested on suspicion of soliciting the murder of his estranged wife. Documents in his court file indicate Lambesis or his agent paid $160,000 in …

Child: “I saw that he closed the door and locked it.”

Catherine McLennan interviews children who might be the victims of abuse. She said all her interviews are recorded, on audio and video, from behind a two-way mirror. In March and September of 2012, the forensic expert interviewed a 9-year-old girl …

“I’m not the person taking those videos.”

Daniel Roger Hood, 43, denied that he captured the incriminating video clips found in his cell phone. Hood also denied that was his body part shown in high definition on a monitor for the jury of 7 men and 5 …

Daniel Roger Hood pleads not guilty to eleven felony charges

A pretty 11-year-old girl gave testimony today accompanied by Barry, her fluffy teddy bear, which she has had “ever since I was two-and-a-half,” the jury learned today. The bear was a gift from her dad when he came back from …

Daniel Hood is accused of videoing himself abusing a 9-year-old girl

A 13-year-old boy who saw disturbing pictures on a man’s cell phone secretly took the phone and brought it to his father. The father said his son told him, “You got to see what’s on this guy’s phone.” The father …

Timely ceremony at Mount Soledad veterans' memorial

If you have not yet been to the Mt. Soledad veterans’ memorial, this is the perfect weekend to visit. It is a pleasant drive while you rise more than 800 feet above the landscape, with wonderful views all around San …

Jury must decide who is lying

The Honorable Judge Kathleen Lewis now presides over a difficult trial in which an Escondido man has been accused of child-rape. Defense claims the case is the result of an ugly divorce and child-custody battle. In opening statements, defense attorney …

Neighbors in Carlsbad no longer at ease after home invaded

A fifteen-year-old girl was home when two intruders went around to the back of the house in Carlsbad and kicked in the doggie door to gain entry. The terrified girl was already on the phone with her mother and screamed …

Woman admitted stealing jewelry and wrestling with homeowner

A woman who confronted a burglar leaving her Oceanside home five months ago was in court yesterday afternoon to see the criminal sentenced to four years prison. Homeowner Kathleen was able to briefly stop the tall, thin woman whom she …

Judge wants felony-bad-driver to pay restitution

Aaron Danny Hernandez, 25, was sentenced to 365 days custody plus 5 years formal probation in San Diego’s North County Courthouse late yesterday, May 22, 2013. Hernandez made a plea deal, admitting his guilt after he drove his Expedition into …

Timothy Ty Craine must register as a sex offender

A man who exposed himself to a woman working at a spa in Encinitas was sentenced yesterday to 2 years prison and ordered to register as a sex offender. It was two months ago when Timothy Ty Craine, 31, approached …

Cops say experienced criminals from Vista came to Carlsbad

It was 9:33 a.m. on a Wednesday morning almost a year ago, on June 20 2012, when a woman phoned police and said her daughter was at home while two intruders came into their house through the doggie door. The …

Previously, the judge noticed defendant wore the same shirt seen in evidence photos

A California man chose to wear a different plaid shirt today, when he made a felony plea deal in San Diego’s North County Superior Courthouse. At a hearing in the same courthouse a month ago, on April 23, 2013, the …