A Southern California man pleaded guilty to a series of violent crimes including murder, robbery, sodomy of a minor and more.
Jacob Saldivar, 23, of Oxnard, committed the crimes in Ventura County from April to June 2019, beginning when he was 16 years old, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
On June 24, 2019, Saldivar fatally stabbed a man, Charles Barber, in Oxnard. The two were walking to the parking area of an apartment complex when Saldivar became angry and attacked Barber with a knife, prosecutors said.
“Barber collapsed inside the complex and subsequently died from multiple stab wounds, including one that penetrated his brain,” court documents said.
Just hours after Barber’s murder, Saldivar robbed a 75-year-old man in a Home Depot parking lot, violently yanking necklaces from his neck. One of the necklaces held the victim’s late wife’s wedding ring.
Saldivar carried out numerous robberies, assaults and burglaries and repeatedly targeted young victims, including teenagers walking home from school or the market. He would steal their phones, money and jewelry, and in some cases, brandished a knife or used physical violence that left several victims hospitalized.
On June 8, 2019, he knocked an 82-year-old man unconscious, causing a concussion and broken jaw that left the elderly man with lasting memory issues.
On June 27, 2019, Saldivar and another man lured two underage girls to a motel before giving one of them Xanax and engaging in unlawful sex acts.
Later that day, he was seen taking selfies with a gun and pounding on a motel door, which led to his arrest. In another instance, he burglarized an apartment complex office and a home, stealing electronics, keys and other valuables.
“Due to the violent nature and Saldivar’s crimes, Ventura County prosecutors argued and were successful at transferring the case to adult court,” court documents said.
On Sept. 8, he pleaded guilty to 12 felonies, including seven counts of robbery, two counts of residential burglary, sodomy of a person under 18 and unlawful sexual intercourse. He also admitted to the special allegation of using a deadly weapon to murder Barber and causing great bodily injury to a victim over 70.
“The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to protecting the safety of our community and in the case of Saldivar, made the choice to transfer him from juvenile to adult court, a choice that is never taken lightly but provided the best opportunity to rehabilitate a violent youthful offender,” said Theresa Pollara, a Ventura County District Attorney who prosecuted the case.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled on Oct. 7. Saldivar is expected to be sentenced to 33 years to life in prison. He remains in custody without bail.
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