LOS ANGELES — A Panorama City man has been charged with killing his wife with a machete and then wounding three neighbors.
David Ernesto Rodriguez, 36, faces one count each of murder, premeditated attempted murder and first-degree burglary, person present, as well as two felony counts each of assault with a deadly weapon.
On June 22, Rodriguez is accused of chasing his wife, 32-year-old Karla Rodriguez, out of their apartment on Roscoe Boulevard near Kester Avenue during an argument and then killing her with a machete. It was unknown what started the argument.
He then allegedly forced entry into his neighbors’ apartment and attacked a husband and wife, along with their 17-year-old son when he tried to intervene, according to prosecutors.
The adult male victim’s arm, nose and eye were seriously injured by the machete. The female victim’s head was cut, and the teen’s hand was seriously wounded.
Police arrived and arrested Rodriguez.
He faces a possible maximum sentence of 40 years to life in state prison if convicted as charged.
Prosecutors are recommending that bail be set at $3.25 million.
The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Bureau.
