Man Jailed in Attack on Estranged Wife

A Moorpark man remained jailed Wednesday night on felony charges of attempting to kill his estranged wife with a butcher knife, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department said.

Everardo Hernandez, 30, has been arraigned and will return to court for further hearings July 21. Bail was set at $250,000, but the Border Patrol has placed a hold on Hernandez pending an immigration hearing, deputies said.

Hernandez was arrested Saturday after his wife was attacked at her house in the 100 block of Everett Street in Moorpark, deputies said. At the time, Hernandez was staying at his wife’s home, deputies said.

Norma Ruelas, 25, arrived home about 10:30 p.m. and walked into her bedroom, where she found her husband hiding under her bed, deputies said. Hernandez told his wife he was searching for something, deputies said.

When Ruelas turned her back, Hernandez allegedly threatened to kill her before the two struggled and Ruelas was stabbed in her left hand and forehead, deputies said.

Ruelas’ sister, brother-in-law and a family friend disarmed her assailant and held him until deputies arrived. Deputies said Ruelas’ sister and the friend were also threatened.

In addition to attempted murder, Hernandez also was arraigned on charges of resisting arrest and domestic violence, deputies said.

Ruelas was treated at a hospital and released, deputies said.