Man guilty of second-degree murder in wife's bathtub killing

Oakland Tribune, Jun 5, 2007 by Malaika Fraley

MARTINEZ - A jury today found a 23-year-old Concord guilty of second-degree murder for drowning his wife in the bathtub last year.

Jaime Sanchez, 23, was charged with first-degree murder for the July 21, 2006, death of 36-year-old Latda Sanchez.

The prosecution said Jaime Sanchez held his wife's head in the water during a fight that started when she came home from work unexpectedly and caught him in his underwear with his girlfriend.

Sanchez initially told police that his wife committed suicide over their deteriorating marriage.

Defense attorney Joseph Tully argued that Sanchez did not intend to kill the woman. He asked the jury to return a involuntary manslaughter verdict.

Sanchez faces 15 years to life when he is sentenced July 3.

Malaika Fraley covers crime and public safety. Reach her at 925- 945-4782.