Man found guilty of killing wife in Merced

MERCED, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A man was found guilty on Wednesday after stabbing his wife, leading to her death, the Merced County District Attorney’s Office said.

According to the DA’s Office, Richard Sandoval was found guilty on Wednesday of first-degree murder, a felony, with personal use of a deadly weapon.

The DA’s office says Merced Police officers responded to 1102 D Street in Merced on Oct. 8, 2023, after receiving a report of an open 911 line with a woman screaming. Upon arrival, officers found Catina Sandoval, Richard’s wife, rolling back and forth on her back, injured and bleeding, on the back patio of the couple’s apartment.

Officials say Catina succumbed to her injuries on the scene. Further investigation determined Richard stabbed Catina four times with a large kitchen knife.

During the trial, the DA’s office reports the jury heard evidence relating to Richard’s history of prior acts of domestic violence against Catina, as well as alcohol abuse.

Richard Sandoval is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13.