OXNARD : Man to Stand Trial in Wife’s Slaying
A 25-year-old Oxnard man who may face charges under the state’s new “three strikes and you’re out” law was ordered Tuesday to stand trial for murder in the April 2 slaying of his wife.
Jose Santos Castaneda is charged with murder and unlawful possession of a firearm in the death of 25-year-old Mina Castaneda. He has two previous robbery convictions, authorities said.
At Tuesday’s preliminary hearing, acting Ventura County Superior Court Judge Herbert Curtis III set arraignment for June 21.
If convicted under the three-strikes law, defendants face a sentence of 25 years to life. The statute prescribes the sentence for anyone with two prior serious or violent felonies who commits a third felony.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Patricia M. Murphy said a decision on whether to charge Castaneda under the law will probably be announced at the arraignment.
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