Calif. man convicted of stabbing lambs, pig at high school

(KRON) — A California man is facing up to 20 years in prison after he stabbed three lambs and a pig at a high school in Monterey County, prosecutors said.

The farm animals had been raised since birth by Gonzales High School students who were part of a 4-H program. Two lambs were killed, while a third lamb and a pig recovered from stab wounds.

Prosecutors said the incident happened around 2:30 a.m. on Feb. 18, 2023 when Jesse Marquez, 31, of Gonzales, rode his bicycle to the high school.

“He approached the barn area and stabbed multiple animals belonging to the students. He held down each animal … (and) repeatedly stabbed them eight to ten times in the head and neck with such force their skulls were broken in multiple places,” the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office wrote.

The Gonzales High School 4-H Club’s slain and injured animals were found six hours later. After police officers tracked down Marquez, he refused to comply with officers' orders and threatened to commit violence towards an officer who booked him into jail, prosecutors said.

This week, Marquez was found guilty of felony animal abuse, felony resisting a police officer, and felony burglary.

Marquez will face up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on June 4 by Judge Jennifer O'Keefe. The convictions constitute four strike offenses under California's three strikes law, which directs that the defendant will face life behind bars if he commits another strike.

The DA’s Office said any cases of suspected animal abuse or neglect should be reported to its office at 831-755-5070, or a local police department.

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