A Sacramento man accused of beating and choking his wife in a Williams motel more than two years ago was sentenced to four years in prison after he changed his plea and took responsibility for the deed.
Derick Michael Garcia, 26, had originally requested a jury trial, but after more than 20 months into the legal process, he failed to appear in Colusa County Superior Court for trial after testing positive for COVID-19.
Instead of resetting a trial date, Garcia pleaded guilty on Feb. 7 to felony battery on a spouse, causing injury, in exchange for the dismissal of other special allegations.
The Williams Police Department arrested Garcia around 9 PM on Dec. 28, 2019, shortly after he reportedly beat his wife in a jealous rage at the Econo Lodge, in Williams.
According to court records, Garcia reportedly hit his wife in the face, threatened to kill her, and choked her into unconsciousness.
Colusa County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey A. Thompson sentenced Garcia to the maximum term of four years, less 34 days time served and earned. ■