Modesto man convicted of domestic violence, arson after attack on woman
A 48-year-old Modesto man has been convicted of multiple felonies after prosecutors said he brutally assaulted a woman he was dating, threatened to kill her and later tried to blow up his home as deputies served a warrant.
The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office announced that Richard Garcia was found guilty by a jury of felony domestic violence, terrorist threats, false imprisonment and arson. District Attorney Jeff Laugero said Garcia faces a lengthy prison term at sentencing.
According to the DA’s Office, the crimes occurred in February. On Feb. 7, Garcia became enraged at the woman and assaulted her for several hours, authorities said.
During the attack, Garcia strangled the victim until she lost consciousness and repeatedly threatened to kill her, prosecutors said. The victim eventually escaped when Garcia became distracted and she called 911.
Deputies with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office responded and rendered aid. The woman suffered bruises, a cigarette burn and other injuries.
Two weeks later, on Feb. 21, detectives serving a warrant at Garcia’s home saw him attempting to open a gas line and use gasoline and lighters to ignite the house, according to the DA’s Office. Deputies with the Sheriff’s Special Investigations Unit subdued Garcia before the home could explode.
The Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, and the District Attorney Victim Services Unit assisted the victim.
