The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A northern Arizona man was accused of trying to kill his girlfriend during an incident at a trailer home last year, and investigators later tracked him down at a California theme park.
According to the authorities, the alleged victim managed to escape after the October 2025 incident and contacted law enforcement. Investigators said they observed bruising that was consistent with her account of what had happened. Property owners near the trailer also told investigators they heard an argument coming from the residence around the time of the alleged assault.
The case remained active for months as investigators searched for the suspect. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said it worked with multiple law enforcement agencies in Arizona and Nevada while trying to determine his location. A community tip eventually helped investigators learn that he was in California.
Authorities said the suspect had left Arizona after the incident, and a nationwide arrest warrant was issued. Police later located him at a Legoland theme park in Carlsbad, California, where he was taken into custody on May 27.
The 46-year-old was arrested on charges of attempted second-degree homicide, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. Investigators alleged that he restrained and strangled his girlfriend with bed sheets inside the trailer and then left her there before fleeing the state. The alleged victim was able to get away and seek help.
Records reviewed by investigators showed the suspect had a lengthy criminal history that included prior convictions for offenses such as aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, aggravated harassment, and aggravated assault involving a victim who was bound or restrained. Information released by a local crime-reporting organization also indicated he had previous domestic violence convictions and was allegedly in violation of probation at the time authorities were seeking him.
Following his arrest, the suspect was held at a detention facility in Vista as a fugitive.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.