A man who fatally stabbed his uncle during an argument in their Pacific Beach condominium pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree murder.
Randy Bautista Baisa, 39, withdrew a not guilty by reason of insanity plea Thursday in connection with the death of Merlino Bautista, 66. Authorities said the defendant and the victim lived together.
Baisa is expected to be sentenced to 15 years to life on Aug. 12, according to San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Scott Pirrello.
Baisa has significant mental health issues, according to the prosecution and defense. Pirrello said he stabbed his uncle 16 times, mostly in the back. One stab wound to the left arm severed an artery, the prosecutor added.
A neighbor at the Plaza Condominiums complex on Diamond Street called 911 in the early morning hours of Jan. 17, 2018 after the mortally wounded Bautista knocked on the door asking for help.
Bautista was lying on the ground of a second-floor hallway when officers arrived and immediately began administering medical aid, police said. He was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Police found Baisa, who they believed stabbed Bautista inside their residence, at the complex and arrested him.
– City News Service
