Topline
A former student at the University of California, Davis, was charged with murder Friday in connection with three local stabbings that occurred over five days, according to multiple reports, after police could not initially determine whether one suspect was responsible for the attacks.
A former UC Davis student was charged following a series of local stabbings.
Key Facts
The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office charged 21-year-old Carlos Dominguez with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Police arrested Dominguez Thursday in connection with the fatal stabbings of 50-year-old David Henry Breaux and 20-year-old UC Davis student Karim Abou Najm as well as the stabbing of Kimberlee Guillory, who survived the attack.
Dominguez was identified by UC Davis as a former biology student who was dismissed from the university for “academic reasons” two days before Breaux’s body was discovered.
The Davis Police Department told CNN they are still investigating Dominguez’s motive for the attacks or whether he knew the victims.
Police had not definitively said whether one suspect was responsible for all three stabbings prior to Dominguez’s arrest, though police chief Darren Pytel said Thursday that police have “evidence and information” all three are connected and one person is responsible.
Crucial Quote
Pytel said during a press conference Tuesday the stabbings “were particularly violent and brazen,” adding the then-unknown suspect “didn’t seem to care there were several witnesses” who could identify him.
What To Watch For
Dominguez is scheduled to be arraigned at 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Key Background
Davis police discovered Breaux’s body on April 27, after Breaux suffered multiple stab wounds at a park near UC Davis’ campus. Najm’s body was found two days later at another park with multiple stab wounds, and police described the suspect as a “light-skinned male” with curly hair between 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-8. An initial suspect was arrested, though police later said there was no evidence connecting him to Najm’s death. Guillory was stabbed Monday night, leaving her in critical condition. Lt. Dan Beckwith described the suspect in Guillory’s stabbing as a “light-complected” male with curly hair between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-9. According to court filings, Dominguez is 5-foot-8 and has curly hair. Following Guillory’s stabbing, UC Davis officials urged students to shelter in place.
Further Reading
UC Davis Students Urged To Shelter In Place After Third Local Stabbing—Here’s What We Know (Forbes)
21-Year-Old Former UC Davis Student To Be Arraigned In Series Of Stabbings Near Campus, Police Say (CNN)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/05/05/former-uc-davis-student-charged-with-murder-for-series-of-stabbings/