Bakersfield man accused of killing estranged wife makes first court appearance
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man accused of killing his estranged wife last month at a house in east Bakersfield made his first court appearance Monday, more than a week after he was first scheduled to be arraigned.
Rafael Estrada, 44, pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, four counts of willful cruelty to a child, spousal abuse, allowing or causing injury to an elder or dependent adult, recklessly evading a peace officer, driving a vehicle in the opposite direction of traffic and resisting arrest.
Several prior arraignment dates were postponed. No reason for the postponements was given in court.
Court Commissioner Samantha Allen ordered Estrada held without bail. His next hearing is scheduled June 20.
Around 8:30 p.m. on May 28, deputies were called to a house in the 2400 block of Monterey Street to reports that a man had seriously injured his wife.
They arrived and found Taylor Danay Dominguez Estrada, 32, with 'severe trauma,' according to sheriff's officials. She was declared dead at the scene.
Family members have told 17 News that Rafael Estrada showed up to a party uninvited and slit his wife's throat in front of at least one child.
Rafael Estrada was spotted by sheriff's helicopter driving away in a white truck before deputies arrived, officials said.
Deputies located and chased the pickup until the pursuit ended about 10 miles away in the 9900 block of Ramos Avenue. Officials said a K-9 was used to take Estrada into custody.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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