A judge sentenced 45-year-old Gregory Daniel Carlomagno yesterday to 43 years and eight months to life in prison for the fatal stabbing of 71-year-old Steven Barron in El Cajon, following a jury conviction on second-degree murder and related charges.
According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, jurors found Carlomagno guilty of second-degree murder and other counts, clearing the way for Thursday’s sentence. Sentencing documents show Carlomagno claimed he acted in self-defense, a claim the court ultimately rejected.
How the Attack Unfolded
El Cajon police say the violence began on Oct. 5, 2024, when Barron’s vehicle stalled on the 800 block of Benedict Avenue while he was giving Carlomagno a ride. During that roadside stop, investigators allege, Carlomagno stabbed Barron. The victim was taken to a hospital and later died of his injuries, the City of El Cajon announced.
Officers chased Carlomagno as he ran from the scene, and said he tried to carjack a passerby before they were able to take him into custody. He was arrested in the 700 block of West Main Street, according to reporting. The case moved to trial and ended with the conviction that led to Thursday’s lengthy prison term.
Sentence and Legal Note
City records show Carlomagno was already on felony probation for grand theft and had a prior elder-abuse conviction, details prosecutors highlighted for the jury. The sentence was handed down at the San Diego County Superior Court’s East County Regional Center in El Cajon, per the court’s location listings…