Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Couple
A Los Angeles man pleaded guilty Tuesday to five criminal charges stemming from a May 18 home-invasion robbery and carjacking of an elderly Moorpark couple.
Randy Jaquez, 35, was arrested shortly after the robbery after leading authorities on a short pursuit through Simi Valley.
Jaquez had forced his way into the home of the Moorpark couple after asking for a glass of water, and he stole their Ford Aerostar van.
Authorities chased the van on the Ronald Reagan Freeway before Jaquez pulled over and surrendered. He was charged with carjacking, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse and several counts of robbery.
Jaquez initially pleaded not guilty to those charges and denied several special allegations in the case. But on Tuesday, as jury selection in his Ventura County Superior Court trial was underway, the defendant changed his plea.
He admitted to carjacking and four counts of robbery. The other charges are expected to be dropped at the time of sentencing, which is scheduled for Nov. 3.
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