Background: Legoland in Carlsbad, Calif. (Google Maps). Inset: Jason Marchesano (Yavapai Silent Witness).
A man from Arizona has been apprehended at a children’s amusement park after allegedly attempting to strangle his girlfriend, authorities reported.
On May 27, 46-year-old Jason Marchesano was arrested on multiple charges, including attempted second-degree homicide, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Marchesano is accused of using bed sheets to “strangle and restrain” his girlfriend in a trailer home on October 28, 2025, before leaving her behind. She managed to escape and alert law enforcement, while Marchesano fled the state.
Several months later, law enforcement tracked him down at Legoland in Carlsbad, California, where he was taken into custody.
Yavapai Silent Witness, an organization collaborating with Arizona law enforcement, revealed that Marchesano had a history of domestic violence convictions and was in violation of his probation. A national warrant had been issued for his arrest prior to his discovery at the theme park.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with various agencies across Arizona and Nevada, eventually obtaining a lead that placed Marchesano in California. A community tip-off was crucial in pinpointing his location.
Upon investigating the incident, officers noted that Marchesano’s girlfriend exhibited bruises that corroborated her story. Neighbors near the trailer in Paulden, Arizona, confirmed hearing a disturbance coming from the property.
Online court records showed a long history of cases connected with Marchesano, including convictions for aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, aggravated harassment, and aggravated assault while the victim was bound or restrained.
Marchesano is currently in custody at the Vista Detention Facility in Vista, California, where he is being housed as a fugitive.
