The plea hearing for a Morgan Hill man accused of strangling his
girlfriend was delayed Tuesday.
The plea hearing for a Morgan Hill man accused of strangling his girlfriend was delayed Tuesday.
Mauricio Hernandez, 39, faces felony domestic violence charges in relation to an incident that happened the night of Feb. 25. If convicted of charges of inflicting corporal injury on a cohabitant, threats to commit a crime resulting in great bodily injury and other charges, Hernandez could be in prison for more than 12 years.
His plea hearing was rescheduled for May 3 at South County Courthouse in Morgan Hill, according to Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office spokeswoman Amy Cornell.
Hernandez allegedly choked his girlfriend twice in one night at her residence – both times until she was unconscious, police said. Police responded to a phone call from the 32-year-old victim of the assault the night of the incident.
Hernandez arrived at the woman’s apartment earlier in the evening, and the couple began arguing, police said. He allegedly punched her on the left side of her face, and then choked her. He also threatened to kill the woman, who was unconscious when he left the residence, according to police. When she woke up she called police.
Police arrested Hernandez outside the residence off Del Monte Avenue as he attempted to leave.
The victim was treated for injuries at an area hospital.
Hernandez remains in custody in lieu of $500,000 bail.
