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San Miguel man convicted of attempted murder for shooting of girlfriend

Posted at 3:41 PM, Nov 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-16 18:41:14-05

A San Miguel man accused of shooting his girlfriend in the neck last year was found guilty Friday of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, inflicting corporal injury to an intimate partner and several other felonies and allegations.

The verdict comes after sheriff’s deputies, detectives and a SWAT team worked together the morning of Oct. 20, 2017 to arrest Jim Pinedo, 38, in Hog Canyon.

The victim arrived at Twin Cities Community Hospital in Templeton Oct. 7 of last year with a gunshot wound to her neck, according to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office.

Officials say she identified Pinedo as the shooter and said they had been dating for about 18 months. She also reportedly said there was a history of domestic violence.

The trial took place in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court. Once underway, the victim reportedly changed her statement and refused to testify.

“During the trial, Deputy District Attorney Megan Baltierra called an expert witness to describe what is known as the ‘cycle of domestic violence’ and its effect on victims generally,” according to a press release sent out by the DA’s Office. “This expert testimony assisted the jury in understanding the victim’s change in statement and refusal to testify. The court admitted into evidence the victim’s prior court testimony that was given under oath and other statements made by her. The jury’s verdict is a finding that the elements of the crimes were proven to the jury by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Pinedo has been in custody at San Luis Obispo County Jail since his arrest. Bail was set at more than half-a-million dollars.

He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 9 and faces a maximum sentence of life behind bars.

Jim Pinedo
Jim Pinedo