For release on February 11, 2015 CONTACT:
Matt Braker, Deputy District Attorney
Homicide Unit
(408) 792-2531 SAN JOSE MAN CONVICTED OF WIFE’S 2011 MURDER
After a two-week trial, a San Jose man this week was convicted of the 2011 first-degree murder of his wife.
A jury on Tuesday found Marcus Casillas, 26, guilty of the slaying of Valerie Calderon Casillas, whose body was found tossed in remote ravine.
Two years before the homicide, Casillas was convicted of felony domestic violence against his wife.
Casillas is scheduled to be sentenced by the Hon. Ron Del Pozzo on March 6, 9 a.m. in Department 40 at the Hall of Justice in San Jose. He faces up to 50 years-to-life in prison.
Prosecutor Matt Braker said: "This case serves as another tragic reminder that domestic violence in a relationship cannot be ignored and can turn lethal very quickly."
On Oct. 2, 2011, the victim, who was estranged from her husband and living at a relative’s home, got into her husband’s car. The two drove away. She never returned.
Three days later, county workers clearing brush in the hills off of Sierra Road near Milpitas found the 29-year-old mother’s body tossed into a 15-foot deep ravine. She had been shot eight times. Casillas was survived by four young children. ###
Matt Braker, Deputy District Attorney
Homicide Unit
(408) 792-2531 SAN JOSE MAN CONVICTED OF WIFE’S 2011 MURDER
After a two-week trial, a San Jose man this week was convicted of the 2011 first-degree murder of his wife.
A jury on Tuesday found Marcus Casillas, 26, guilty of the slaying of Valerie Calderon Casillas, whose body was found tossed in remote ravine.
Two years before the homicide, Casillas was convicted of felony domestic violence against his wife.
Casillas is scheduled to be sentenced by the Hon. Ron Del Pozzo on March 6, 9 a.m. in Department 40 at the Hall of Justice in San Jose. He faces up to 50 years-to-life in prison.
Prosecutor Matt Braker said: "This case serves as another tragic reminder that domestic violence in a relationship cannot be ignored and can turn lethal very quickly."
On Oct. 2, 2011, the victim, who was estranged from her husband and living at a relative’s home, got into her husband’s car. The two drove away. She never returned.
Three days later, county workers clearing brush in the hills off of Sierra Road near Milpitas found the 29-year-old mother’s body tossed into a 15-foot deep ravine. She had been shot eight times. Casillas was survived by four young children. ###