Machete Wielding Man Attacks RivCo Girlfriend In 2014, Admits Guilt

RIVERSIDE, CA — A 58-year-old man who sliced his girlfriend with a machete during a domestic assault in Riverside, then fled south of the border before being apprehended years later, pleaded guilty Tuesday to attempted murder and other offenses and was immediately sentenced to 12 years to life in state prison.

Jose Luis Barron admitted the attempted murder count, as well as one count each of domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon, with sentence- enhancing allegations of inflicting great bodily injury during an act of domestic abuse and using a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony. The plea was negotiated with the Riverside County District Attorney's Office.

Superior Court Judge Joshlyn Pulliam certified the plea agreement and imposed the stipulated sentence during a hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice Tuesday.

According to prosecutors, on Sept. 9, 2014, Barron was involved in an argument with his then-girlfriend, identified only as Jane Doe, at their shared residence.

The District Attorney's Office said the Mexican national used a machete on the victim, inflicting "substantial injuries."

Witnesses called 911, and Barron fled the location.

The victim was hospitalized but ultimately recovered from her wounds.

The defendant hid out in Mexico over eight years before his whereabouts were confirmed during a joint investigation by the District Attorney's Office's Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Federal police in Mexico tracked him down and took him into custody without incident, culminating in his extradition to the United States during the first week of February 2023.

Barron had prior misdemeanor convictions for assault and battery during an act of domestic abuse, according to court records.