RSM Stabbing Suspect Charged With Attempted Murder

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — A man arrested for stabbing another in Rancho Santa Margarita one week ago has been charged with attempted murder according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

The 25-year-old man arrested in the stabbing made his first appearance in court Monday. David Nathaniel Cota was charged Friday with attempted murder with sentencing enhancements for attempted premeditated murder, infliction of great bodily injury and the personal use of a deadly weapon, according to court records. Cota is currently being held in Central Men's Jail Intake Release Center with bail set at $1,005,000. His arraignment was rescheduled for Aug. 25.

After his arrest Wednesday, Cota was accused of stabbing another man just before midnight Aug. 7 in the Rancho Santa Margarita neighborhood area of Taos and Milagro, according to Orange County Sheriff's Lt. Lane Lagaret.

"Deputies were called about a double stabbing at approximately 11:45 p.m.," Lagaret said. "When they arrived they found Cota and the victim suffering from stab wounds."

The two said they were standing outside a vehicle smoking when they were approached by a group of unknown individuals who stabbed them multiple times and ran, Lagaret said. They said the three suspects wore black hoodies, Lagaret said.

The two were taken to Mission Hospital, but officials said the wounds were not considered life-threatening.

Sheriff's officials said the two were uncooperative the night of the stabbing.

Co-defendant Jasmine Macias, 18, was arrested Friday and posted bail Saturday. She was charged with being an accessory after the fact.

It was not clear how Cota knew the victim or Macias, but sheriff's officials say they are all acquainted with each other.

Sheriffs officials on Monday said there were no other suspects involved in the stabbing.