A 37-year-old Palmdale man accused of fatally stabbing his 49-year-old girlfriend pleaded not guilty Monday to a murder charge.
Jose Martinez allegedly killed Magda Bermudez on Sept. 20, 2014, during a fight at her home in the 38700 block of Third Street East. Prosecutors allege Martinez stabbed Bermudez multiple times and then took off with her vehicle.
Bermudez’s mother found her daughter’s body in a bedroom.
Martinez, who was arrested later that day, was previously convicted of assault with a deadly weapon and robbery in 2001 and extortion in 2010, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
If convicted as charged, Martinez faces life in prison. He is due back in court Jan. 12 for a preliminary hearing.
— City News Service