A judge in Santa Cruz County has ruled that Matthew Madriz Alcaraz, a 20-year-old Morgan Hill man, will stand trial on charges of attempted murder in connection with a violent jailhouse incident that occurred in 2023. The incident involved a gang-related stabbing that left a fellow inmate seriously injured. Madriz is also facing additional felony charges of participating in criminal street gang activity and assault with a deadly weapon, along with related enhancements.
During a three-day preliminary hearing, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Stephen Siegel determined that there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Madriz’s co-defendants, Leo Rueda and Adrian Ortiz, are not expected to face trial on their charges.
Testimony provided by Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office deputy August Waltrip revealed that he had reviewed surveillance footage from the jail, as well as body-worn camera footage from corrections officers. The footage showed Madriz and Ortiz entering a cell with a third individual and partially closing the door for approximately 15 minutes on the evening of June 26. The victim managed to alert authorities by pushing an intercom button inside the cell. When discovered, he had suffered a throat incision near his Adam’s apple, severe swelling around both eyes, additional lacerations, and significant bleeding.
Madriz had only suffered a small facial scratch and light hand swelling, while Ortiz’s hands exhibited extreme bruising and swelling, along with lacerations and blood. Deputy Waltrip described the scene inside the cell as one with an “enormous amount of blood,” including bloody handprints on the cell door and puddles of blood between the bunk and chair. The bunk itself was covered in spear marks of blood.
Earlier in the hearing, Rueda testified that the victim had informed him about being placed on a “freeze” or gang-initiated investigation due to complaints made to outside gang authorities regarding the gang’s operations within the jail. Rueda, who was temporarily housed at the Santa Cruz jail, stated that he was approached to serve as a guard during the gang’s intended punishment of the victim.
3 Responses
The blog post discusses a recent ruling in Santa Cruz County where Matthew Madriz Alcaraz, a 20-year-old man from Morgan Hill, will be tried for attempted murder. The charges stem from a violent incident that took place in a jail in 2023.
My insights: It is concerning to hear about a violent incident occurring in a jail, as it raises questions about the safety and security measures in place. The fact that the judge has ruled for Alcaraz to stand trial indicates that
1. Stay informed about your legal rights: It is crucial to understand your legal rights if you find yourself involved in any legal situation. Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations that apply to your specific circumstances, and consult with a legal professional if needed.
2. Seek legal representation: If you are facing serious charges like attempted murder, it is essential to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. A skilled lawyer will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and build a strong defense strategy
It is disheartening to hear about incidents like these occurring within the confines of a jail. It raises concerns about the safety and security measures in place to protect both inmates and staff. It is crucial for authorities to thoroughly investigate such incidents and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a secure and controlled environment within correctional facilities to ensure the well-being of everyone involved.