In a distressing case, a man accused of beheading his ex-girlfriend with a samurai sword in San Carlos refused to attend his own murder trial during the opening statements. Jose “Rafa” Solano Landaeta, a 34-year-old from Hayward, stands charged with the murder of Karina Castro, a 27-year-old woman with whom he shared a child. Their once-toxic relationship took a tragic turn that led to her untimely demise.
San Mateo County Judge Lisa Novak made it clear that Landaeta had the choice to attend or not attend his trial. Meanwhile, three witnesses described a horrifying scene where they witnessed Landaeta using a sword to slash Castro's head and arm on September 8, 2022, as she attempted to escape from him outside her apartment on Laurel Street.
During the opening statements, it was revealed that Landaeta had initially pleaded "not guilty by reason of insanity" but later changed it to "not guilty." The defense presented the argument that Landaeta believed Castro was sending "gangsters" to harm him, his mother, and his brother, leading to this gruesome act of violence.
While Landaeta remained absent from the courtroom, the trial saw emotional moments with the victim's family members, witnesses, and jurors deeply affected. Shocking photographs of Castro's body were shared with the jurors, leading to distressing reactions.
The prosecution framed the case as an act of vengeance, emphasizing Landaeta's intent to harm Castro. Private Instagram messages revealed that Landaeta had expressed his intentions, writing, "She lookin ta get smoked blood. She needa get 86ed. Ima have ta do what I gotta do broo."
Furthermore, the prosecution provided evidence such as bloodied weapons, crime scenes, and witness testimonies that indicated the brutal nature of the crime. Witnesses, who had left a nearby restaurant before the incident, recounted the intense argument between Landaeta and Castro, culminating in the horrifying attack.
Landaeta's defense contended that his actions were driven by severe stress and paranoid schizophrenia, exacerbated by Castro's threats. These threats had pushed him to believe that gang members were targeting him and his family, which led to his decision to carry a sword for protection.
The case also involved a series of Snapchat messages exchanged between the former couple, where Castro allegedly threatened Landaeta's life and made him fear for the safety of his family. Landaeta, who had a history of mental health issues, was off his medication at the time of the incident.
The trial is marked by a complex web of relationships, mental health issues, and a tragic act of violence that shook those involved. As the case unfolds, the defense and prosecution present differing narratives.
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