Neighbors of a California father accused of fatally stabbing his wife’s alleged lover have described the early-morning police response on their normally quiet Anaheim street.
Ismael Pinedalopez, 34, is accused of killing 28-year-old Nicholas Garcia at his Anaheim home after allegedly finding him in his underwear in bed with Pinedalopez’s wife and their two children, ages 2 and 4.
Dramatic video shows officers escorting Pinedalopez from the home and into a waiting police cruiser following the alleged pocketknife attack on Oct. 24.
The California Post obtained the footage from a neighbor Thursday. In the video, Pinedalopez appears calm as two officers walk him toward patrol cars with their emergency lights flashing.
Garcia died at the scene from his injuries, officials said. Pinedalopez is not accused of harming his wife or children.
Elizabeth Polanco, 71, who lives next door, told The Post that she heard the commotion and police shouting, “Get out,” at the home at about 4:15 a.m.
Polanco also offered insight into the couple’s routine and the circumstances surrounding the alleged killing. She said Pinedalopez worked nights and cared for the children while his wife worked during the day.
Officials said Pinedalopez discovered his wife allegedly cheating after returning home from work early. Polanco said she had never noticed signs of trouble between the couple and considered them “nice people.”
“This is terrible. I never imagined there would be anything scandalous like this,” she said.
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Polanco said she was also surprised by the alleged affair, describing the wife as a “very good girl” but saying she may have acted “irresponsibly” if the allegations are true.
After the attack, Polanco said, the wife asked her to watch her daughter while she stepped out to run an errand.
Polanco said Pinedalopez never appeared violent, describing him as “very nice, easygoing, never upset.” She added that he was “always there with the kids.”
Pinedalopez has been charged with felony murder, along with an enhancement allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon.
Court records show that he waived an earlier opportunity to be arraigned. His arraignment and bail review are scheduled for Dec. 1.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said it was horrifying that the children allegedly witnessed the killing.
“Violence is never the answer, and it is truly heartbreaking that these young children had to witness their father commit such a horrific act of brutality in their own home,” Spitzer said.
Pinedalopez faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life if convicted on all charges. He is represented by attorney George Karl Rosenstock of The United Firm.
