Carlos Dominguez, a former student at the University of California, Davis, has pleaded not guilty to two murder charges and one attempted murder charge in connection to three stabbings near the campus that occurred within five days of each other.
Former UC Davis student pleads not guilty in connection with fatal stabbings near campus
The stabbings, which have left two people dead and one critically injured, have caused fear within the community. Dominguez, 21, is accused of using a deadly weapon and causing great bodily injury. He could face life without parole or the death penalty if convicted. His bail has been denied by Superior Court Judge Daniel Wolk.
Dominguez was a third-year student at the university until April 25, when he was separated for academic reasons, according to a news release from UC Davis. He was initially taken into custody on Wednesday for possessing a large knife and was placed under arrest on Thursday in connection with the stabbings.
Davis Police Chief Darren Pytel said that they believe all three stabbings are connected and that Dominguez is the person responsible
The latest attack happened on Monday night near the campus, leaving Kimberlee Guillory in critical condition. Stabbings at two parks near the campus claimed the lives of UC Davis senior Karim Abou Najm on Saturday and 50-year-old David Breaux on April 27. In response to the stabbings, officials have ramped up security measures and urged students to be ultra-vigilant. Dominguez is set to appear in court on May 22.