SGV Man Charged With Attempted Murder For Allegedly Stabbing Girlfriend In Back

ALHAMBRA, CA — An Arcadia man accused of stabbing his 18-year-old girlfriend in front of her Temple City home last week was charged Monday with attempted murder and other felony counts.

Matthew Fay Echauri, 23, is facing one count each of premeditated, deliberate and willful 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.

Echauri appeared in an Alhambra courtroom Monday afternoon, but his arraignment was postponed to March 29. He is being held on $2 million bail, but prosecutors will ask that it be raised to $3.25 million.

Prosecutors allege Echauri got into an argument with the victim -- whose identity was not released -- in the 6200 block of Encinita Avenue last Thursday. 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.

She was hospitalized in stable condition, according to authorities.

Police were alerted to Echauri's alleged involvement by a "concerned citizen" and arrested him late that evening, according to a statement released by the District Attorney's Office.

Two days later, Echauri allegedly called the victim from jail and threatened her if she cooperated with law enforcement.

If convicted as charged, he faces up to 33 years to life in prison.

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock