San Carlos 'Samurai Sword' Killer Gets 26 Years To Life In Prison

SAN CARLOS, CA — A man responsible for the savage near-beheading death of the mother of his child with a Samurai sword was given 26 years to life in state prison Tuesday, bringing an end to the trial of a crime that horrified not only those who witnessed it on the street, but the entire Bay Area and beyond.

Jose Landaeta received 25 years to life for first degree murder, plus one year for use of a deadly weapon — a sword. He must also pay $20,000 in restitution and court fines, plus more restitution to the woman's family in amounts to be determined, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe.

"Justice was done today and while we can never bring back the victim, we are able to give the victim's family a sense of closure in knowing the defendant will be locked up for most, if not all, of the rest of his life," said Wagstaffe in an email Tuesday.

Judge Lisa Novak said while imposing her sentence that it was the most difficult case she has ever presided over due to the brutality of the crime.

Landaeta was 34 when he attacked the mother of his child, Karina Castro, on Sept. 8, 2022 in San Carlos. Castro had a protective order against Landaeta, but during a violent argument with her that morning, he attacked her with a Samurai sword, slashing her numerous times to point that her head was almost severed, Wagstaffe said.

The whole crime took place on the street in front of multiple people, who then watched Landaeta walk away and put the bloody sword in his car. He was apprehended the same day.

According to Wagstaffe, Landaeta has a history of mental health problems.

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