Santa Rosa Man Dies, His Survivor Faces Murder Charge After Stabbing

The man stabbed on Oct. 7 during an argument in a Santa Rosa apartment remained on life support until his death Saturday. Now authorities want to charge the second man involved with murder.

Jacob Phillips, 26, of Santa Rosa, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being stabbed once in the chest. He was stabbed during an argument with Robert Mendoza in Phillips’s apartment on Third Street in Santa Rosa. Phillips was taken to a local hospital, whre he remained on life support until his death Saturday.

Police said Mendoza was seen running through the busy downtown corridor by officers responding to the scene. Police arrested him and charged him with attempted murder. He has been in jail without bail since the Oct. 7. After the death of Phillips, detectives requested Mendoza be changed with murder, according to Santa Rosa police.

Detectives are still investigating the incident. Police said they did not find a weapon during the investigation. Santa Rosa police said they have not disclosed the motive for the incident or nature of the argument because the investigation is ongoing.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call 707-543-3590 or submit a tip online at www.srcity.org/CrimeTips.

Phillips' death marks the 12th homicide in Santa Rosa in 2025.