Jose Gomez Pleads Not Guilty; Allegedly Stabbed Ex-Wife

A man accused of repeatedly stabbing his former wife during an argument in her Imperial Beach home pleaded not guilty Wednesday to an attempted murder charge.

Jose Ascencio Gomez, 56, was ordered held on $1 million bail in connection with the stabbing, which occurred in the 600 block of 11th Street about 4 p.m. Saturday.

The victim, also 56, told investigators that her ex-husband showed up at her home and asked to use the telephone. During an ensuing argument, Gomez allegedly grabbed a knife from the victim's kitchen and stabbed her five times in the chest before fleeing, sheriff's Sgt. Juan Marquez said.

Paramedics took the victim to a hospital for treatment of wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening.

Gomez was arrested late Monday morning at the intersection of Palm Avenue and Ninth Street in Imperial Beach. A day earlier, sheriff's officials, fearing Gomez might flee to Mexico, released his photo to the public in hopes of generating leads on his whereabouts.

He faces a maximum of 15 years and eight months in prison if convicted, said Deputy District Attorney Enrique Camarena.

A readiness conference was set for Dec. 27 and a preliminary hearing for Jan. 2.