San Diego
A sailor who served in Operation Desert Storm pleaded guilty Wednesday to voluntary manslaughter in the strangulation of a man who he says made a pass at him.
Christopher Betenbaugh, 20, who was stationed on the dock landing ship Germantown, entered his plea before San Diego Municipal Judge David Danielsen, who then dismissed a murder charge.
It was Betenbaugh who called police after he said he fought Agripino de los Reyes, 38, in the victim’s apartment in the Emerald Hills area in the 5200 block of Hilltop Drive on Dec. 20.
His attorney, Milly Durovic, said Betenbaugh and De los Reyes were drinking together in a bar, and the victim offered to take Betenbaugh back to his ship. Betenbaugh was instead taken to the man’s apartment and passed out. Durovic said he woke up and discovered that he was being molested and fought with the victim.
“When he realized the victim was motionless, he called 911,” Durovic told reporters.
Betenbaugh could receive a maximum sentence of 11 years in state prison and a fine of $10,000. Danielsen scheduled sentencing for Feb. 21.
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