Witness Shows Jurors Scars Left from Throat Slashing

Jodie Santiago Robertson tilted her neck Tuesday and showed Superior Court jurors the scars from what she said was an almost fatal encounter with David Lucas.

Robertson, 34, testified as the key prosecution witness against Lucas, 33, of Spring Valley, who is charged with killing six people from 1979-1984, including four in East County. Like Robertson, all victims had their throats slashed.

Robertson, of Seattle, testified that she had been abducted by Lucas after she left an El Cajon restaurant on June 8, 1984.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Dan Williams asked her, “Today, as you sit before this jury, is there any doubt that the man who is pictured (Lucas) . . . is the man who attacked you?” asked Williams.

“None whatsoever,” replied Robertson.

She was rigorously cross-examined much of the day by Alex Landon, one of Lucas’ attorneys, and will continue to testify today.

Lucas is charged with killing Anne Swanke, 22, of San Carlos, on Nov. 22, 1984; Rhonda Strang, 24, and Amber Fisher, 3, both of Lakeside, on Oct. 23, 1984; Gayle Garcia, 29, on Dec. 8, 1981, and Suzanne Jacobs, 31, and her 3-year-old son, Colin, on May 4, 1979.

Lucas could get the death penalty if convicted.