California man sentenced for killing father with scissors at senior facility

MOORPARK, Calif. (TCD) -- A 25-year-old man will spend over a decade behind bars for killing his father with scissors during a dispute last year.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced March 19 that Jason Fernandes was sentenced to 12 years for the death of his father, Michael Fernandes. He pleaded guilty in February to one count of voluntary manslaughter and four special allegations of use of a deadly weapon, the crime involved great violence, defendant took advantage of a position of trust, and the victim was vulnerable

According to prosecutors, on March 9, 2023, Jason Fernandes arrived at his father's home at a senior facility and the two got into a verbal dispute. The fight turned physical when Jason Fernandes forced his way inside the unit. Witnesses reportedly saw the defendant hit the victim, and then he exited the apartment covered in blood.

The district attorney's office said neighbors went to check on Michael Fernandes and saw that he had sustained a stab wound in his abdomen from scissors. He also suffered a stab wound and significant lacerations to his head and face. Michael Fernandes was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office apprehended Jason Fernandes shortly after in a nearby river bottom.

Supervising Senior Deputy District Attorney Rafael Orellana who prosecuted the case said, "The conviction and sentence in this case demonstrate the defendant’s remorse and willingness to accept responsibility for this senseless killing. The victim’s death was an avoidable tragedy, and one for which today’s sentencing provides some measure of justice."

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• Ventura Man Sentenced for Stabbing Father to Death with Scissors - Ventura County District Attorney's Office