A probationer accused of killing a 58-year-old Anza woman and severely injuring the victim’s mother during an attack at their residence pleaded not guilty Tuesday to murder and other felony charges.
Karina Sarah Valdivia, 32, is charged in the March 9 slaying of Karen McCoy, as well as the attempted murder of Suzanne Martinez.
The criminal complaint includes a sentence-enhancing allegation of inflicting great bodily injury on a person over 70 years old.
The defendant was arraigned before Superior Court Judge Stephen Gallon, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for July 6 at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta.
Valdivia is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.
According to sheriff’s Sgt. Rick Espinoza, Valdivia allegedly attacked McCoy and her mother, at their residence in the 60000 block of Coyote Canyon Road, near El Campo Road. A possible motive was not disclosed.
Espinoza said deputies were called to the residence during the predawn attack and discovered McCoy dead and Martinez suffering from life-threatening injuries that required surgery. She has since recovered.
According to the sergeant, Valdivia was detained and questioned at the house, then booked into jail. According to court records, she has a prior misdemeanor conviction for driving under the influence.