Alberto Isaac Gonzalezpenaloza (dob 2/23/91) Booking Photo

Domestic Violence Abuser Faces Life Sentence After Pleading Guilty to Attempted Murder

Author: District Attorney
Date: 1/28/2019 5:43 PM

Alberto Isaac Gonzalezpenaloza (27) pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted premeditated murder for a brutal domestic violence attack on his wife and his wife’s aunt, which occurred in rural Arroyo Grande in September 2017. Gonzalezpenaloza faces two life terms with the possibility of parole when he is sentenced on May 1, 2019.

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today, January 28, 2019, that Alberto Isaac Gonzalezpenaloza (DOB 2/23/91) pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted premeditated murder and admitted allegations of inflicting great bodily injury, use of a firearm, and use of a knife.  Gonzalezpenaloza will be sentenced on May 1, 2019, in the Courtroom of Superior Court Judge Jacquelyn Duffy.  The defendant faces two consecutive life terms with the possibility of parole consideration after 22 years.

On September 9, 2017 Gonzalezpenaloza and his wife were visiting her aunt in rural Arroyo Grande, when Gonzalezpenaloza attacked both of them, stabbing both multiple times with several knives, and bludgeoning them with the stock of a shotgun.  Both victims suffered life-threatening injuries.  When Gonzalezpenaloza fled into the nearby wilderness, the victims were able to call for help.  With the assistance of a law enforcement helicopter, Gonzalezpenaloza was spotted and arrested. 

“This has been a horrific, life-changing event for both victims,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Sheryl Wolcott, who prosecuted the case.  “We are thankful that both victims survived, and for the excellent work of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, paramedics, and other first responders.  The defendant’s plea of guilty is a big step towards justice for the victims.” 

The case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Sheryl Wolcott.

Please contact Assistant District Attorney Eric J. Dobroth at (805) 781-5800 with any questions.