Man Must Stand Trial for Attempted Murder in IB

A South Bay man accused of repeatedly stabbing his former wife during an argument at her Imperial Beach home must stand trial on attempted murder and threat charges, a judge ruled today.

Jose Ascencio Gomez, 56, is accused in connection with the stabbing that occurred the afternoon of Dec. 14 in the 600 block of 11th Street. He faces a maximum of 15 years and eight months in prison if convicted, according to prosecutors.

The victim, also 56, told investigators her ex-husband showed up at her home and asked to use the telephone, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. 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 her to a hospital for treatment of wounds that were not life-threatening.

Gomez was arrested Dec. 16 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.

Following today's preliminary hearing, Judge Francis Devaney ruled that enough evidence was presented for Gomez to stand trial. A Superior Court arraignment was set for April 2. Gomez remains held on $1 million bail.