SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The estranged husband of a female victim was convicted Thursday of multiple counts related to a 2015 domestic violence incident.
Rene Vazquez, 44, of Apple Valley, was convicted of one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, one count of Criminal Threats, one count of Stalking in Violation of a Restraining Order, two counts of Vandalism over $400, and Dissuading a Witness from Prosecuting a Crime. Vasquez admitted a prior strike and five prison priors.
According to Deputy District Attorney David Foy, who prosecuted the case, the victim got a restraining order against the defendant, after months of him making implied threats to her.
“After it was served, the defendant saw the victim driving her vehicle in Victorville and began chasing her,” said Foy. “The victim fled and the defendant rammed her car with his vehicle, causing $4,000 in damage.”
Earlier that day, Vasquez bashed in the garage door of the victim’s Victorville home, causing $650 in damage. He was arrested and charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon. He later bailed out.
“Over the next two and a half months, the defendant continued to send the victim unwanted texts, emails and make phone calls to her, threatening things like ‘you will be regret this’ and reminding her over and over again that they will be married ‘until death do us part,'” said Foy.
At one point, Vasquez phoned the victim and urged her to recant her story.
“Unfortunately for the defendant, the victim recorded his call, and it was played to the jury,” said Foy.
Vasquez faces 31 years in state prison when sentenced Feb. 3, 2017. This case was investigated by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department station in Victorville.
(District Attorney Press Release)
