The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced that Jose Marquez, 31, from Gonzales, was sentenced to 19 years and four months in prison after being found guilty of four counts of animal abuse with a knife, resisting a police officer and burglary.
The convictions will count as four strike offenses under the state’s Three Strikes Law, meaning Marquez will serve life in prison if he commits another strike.
On Feb. 18, 2023, Marquez rode his bicycle to Gonzales High School and entered the property to take a tool. While there, he became upset with his mother and reportedly approached the barn area and stabbed multiple animals belonging to the students. Two lambs died, one lamb survived and one pig survived.
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According to the District Attorney’s Office, each animal had been held down and repeatedly stabbed eight to 10 times in the head and neck with such force that their skulls were broken in multiple places. The Gonzales High students had raised the animals since birth.
When Marquez was contacted by law enforcement, he refused to comply with officers and threatened to commit violence towards the officer booking him.
This case was prosecuted by the Monterey County District Attorney’s vertical prosecution unit for crimes against animals. If you suspect animal abuse or neglect in your neighborhood, you can contact the District Attorney’s Office at 831-755-5070 or your local police department.