A Gilroy doctor accused of killing his wife, Doris Mae Knapp, last April will get pre-trial freedom.
Dr. German Baldeon, a resident of Gilroy and family practice doctor with an office in Salinas, was set to be released from custody today on his own recognizance today with an Oct. 7 continued plea hearing. Baldeon faces a murder charge while 59-year-old David Galvez of Tracy and a friend of Baldeon, according to police, faces a charge of personal use of a stabbing instrument and fled the country to Ecuador.
Baldeon was being held custody at Santa Clara County Jail with bail set at $1 million.
“The investigation into the death of Doris Knapp continues,” Deputy District Attorney Angela Bernhard said. “We are all working hard to seek the truth.”
No details were being released about why Baldeon was released; however, Baldeon’s passports were confiscated, and he is being required to attend the court date as a condition of his release, the district attorney’s office confirmed. A release of recognizance may be granted following review and takes into consideration the seriousness of the crime, criminal history, community ties and employment, according to legal sources.
The court file for the case remained sealed as of press time.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the events surrounding Knapp’s murder to contact Detective Mike Bolton at 408-846-0350 or to remain anonymous, call WeTip at 1-800-782-7463.
