Chula Vista
A Chula Vista police officer arrested Monday night in the slaying of his wife was released from County Jail on Wednesday as the investigation continues.
No charges have been filed against John McAvenia, 27, in the shooting of his wife of three years, Diana, 25, who was struck once in the chest.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Daniel Lamborn said there wasn’t enough evidence to file charges.
“We’re still looking at it,” Lamborn said.
According to the law, defendants must be arraigned at the end of their second full day in custody or be released from jail. Because the investigation isn’t finished, Lamborn said, McAvenia had to be released because a charge was not filed.
McAvenia has worked for the Chula Vista Police Department five years and had been employed by the San Diego Police Department for a shorter time. He also worked for the county marshal’s office.
McAvenia reportedly told investigators that his wife charged him with a knife, and he shot her in self-defense.
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