*NEWS RELEASE*

MAN CONVICTED OF MURDERING GIRLFRIEND

INDIO, CA - A Riverside County jury today has convicted James Christian Serna, 26, of first degree murder with a special allegation for the use of a knife during the murder of his girlfriend, Melinda Larios, in March 2008.

"This case is an example of domestic violence in its worst and saddest form," said District Attorney Rod Pacheco. "This man murdered an innocent young woman I'm glad that the jury was able recognize the truth and render justice."

Serna had been having troubles with his girlfriend for several months. On March 12, 2008, Serna got in an argument with his girlfriend and started to beat her and stab her with a kitchen knife in their front yard. Neighbors heard the victim screaming and came outside to observe Serna stabbing the victim over and over again. One neighbor ran across the street with a pole and began beating Serna in an attempt to get him to stop stabbing the victim. When the pole broke and Serna continued with the stabbing, a second neighbor approached with a baseball bat. One of the men hit Serna with the baseball bat multiple times until he finally stopped stabbing the victim, but it was too late.

When the police arrived, Serna was still at the scene and covered with blood. Serna told the officer "I did it" and placed his hands behind his back. Melinda died at the scene as a result of severe trauma to her torso consistent with numerous stab wounds. Two kitchen knifes were found near Melinda's body.

Deputy District Attorney Peter Nolan prosecuted the case. "This defendant not only took the victim's life, but throughout this trial tried to tarnish her reputation with accusations of infidelity and drug use in an attempt to excuse his own behavior," said Nolan. "Hopefully now the victim's family can move forward with the knowledge that truth prevailed and justice was served on behalf of their loved one."

Serna is facing up to 26 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on September 18, 2009.