Ismael Pinedalopez, 34, now faces a Dec. 1 arraignment after allegedly stabbing to death a man he found in bed with his wife and young children.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office determined that Nicholas Garcia, 28, died of “acute exsanguination” caused by “multiple stab wounds,” according to a verification of death report filed Oct. 30. The manner of death was listed as homicide.
Pinedalopez allegedly came home from his night shift early on Oct. 24 and discovered his wife, Wendy, and their two-year-old and four-year-old in bed with Garcia, who was wearing only underwear. He then allegedly attacked Garcia with a pocketknife.
A neighbor’s security camera captured Anaheim police escorting Pinedalopez to a patrol car following his arrest. He has been charged with felony murder plus a felony enhancement for personally using a deadly weapon.
He waived an earlier arraignment opportunity, and court records now show the Dec. 1 date for both arraignment and bail review. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life.
The Post located Wendy shopping with her two children. When approached, she offered only, “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Her brother, Elvis Clemente, 20, echoed that refusal.
“My sister has said she doesn’t want to talk about it. It’s not a subject I want to talk about as well,” he told The Post.
Elizabeth Polanco, 71, who lives nearby, said Pinedalopez worked nights while Wendy worked days. She indicated the attack occurred around 4:15 a.m. And noted she had never seen Garcia at the residence before.
Polanco spoke warmly of the accused killer’s parenting.
“He was a very good father,” she said. “He was always walking in the street with the boy and the girl.”
She had previously described him as a “very nice, easygoing” man.
The final coroner report has not yet been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.