Guilty, he faces 2nd murder trial

An Oakdale man has one murder trial down and one to go.

Adam Valdobinos, 29, was found guilty of second-degree murder last week at the close of a two-week trial stemming from the stabbing death of a black man who met with foul play at the Cameron Villa Apartments in Modesto.

According to a statement from the district attorney's office, Valdobinos was standing with several others Oct. 12, 2003, when Jesse Watson approached the crowd and asked if anyone had seen his nephew.

The authorities said Valdobinos made a rude comment, then attacked Watson with a knife, stabbing him in the abdomen and chest, and slashing his face. Watson, 48, died from his wounds during surgery.

Valdobinos faces 16 years to life in prison, but his tour through the legal system is not over: He also is charged with the murder of Robert Jimenez, 39, during a home-invasion robbery at 1237 Main St. in Modesto on June 29, 2003.

Valdobinos and three others allegedly struck up an acquaintance with Jimenez to rob him. Jimenez was found dead in his home. The trial is set for Oct. 15.