SGV Man Pleads Not Guilty to Allegedly Stabbing Girlfriend

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY, CA – An Arcadia man who allegedly stabbed his girlfriend in front of her Temple City home earlier this month pleaded not guilty Wednesday to attempted murder and other felony charges.

Matthew Fay Echauri, 23, faces up to 33 years in prison if convicted of one count each of attempted murder, aggravated torture and aggravated mayhem and two counts of dissuading a witness from reporting a crime with force and violence.

The criminal complaint also includes knife and domestic violence allegations.

Prosecutors allege that Echauri got into an argument March 2 with the 18-year-old woman -- whose identity was not released -- in the 6200 block of Encinita Avenue.

As she began walking away across a neighbor's lawn, Echauri allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed her back, head and face before running off.

Police were alerted to Echauri's alleged involvement by a "concerned citizen" and arrested him late that evening, according to Deputy District Attorney Presciliano Duran.

Echauri allegedly called his girlfriend from jail two days later and threatened her if she cooperated with law enforcement, the prosecutor said.

Echauri -- who remains jailed -- is due back in an Alhambra courtroom April 26, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Woman Stabbed Multiple Times, Arcadia Man In Custody: LASD
• Arcadia Man Charged With Attempted Murder For Girlfriend Stabbing

ALSO SEE:

• Ford Recalls 230K Vehicles To Correct Fire Hazard
• State AG to Seek Death Penalty for O.C. Mass Murderer Scott Dekraai

--City News Service/Shutterstock image