San Diego
The man accused of attacking the woman known as the “bag lady of Pacific Beach” was found guilty Tuesday of attempted murder and two assault charges by a Superior Court jury, which deliberated less than two hours.
Jose Hernandez Herrera, 26, an illegal alien, was found guilty of attempted murder, assault likely to produce great bodily injury and assault with intent to commit rape. Hernandez had been on trial since Nov. 13 in the attack on Sara JoAn Rutledge, 55, early Sept. 1 in a women’s restroom on Pacific Beach Drive. During the trial, Rutledge was unable to identify Hernandez as the man who attacked her.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Frank A. Brown said Hernandez faces a maximum of 12 years but added that he has yet to decide what sentence to ask the judge to impose. After serving his sentence, Hernandez will be deported to Mexico, Brown said.
Sentencing has been set for Jan. 28. Hernandez was taken to County Jail, where he will be held without bail.
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