Jury selection concluded Thursday in the murder trial of Morgan
Hill resident Daren Campodonica, who is accused of killing his wife
in February 2002.
Jury selection concluded Thursday in the murder trial of Morgan Hill resident Daren Campodonica, who is accused of killing his wife in February 2002.
The trial is scheduled to get under way Monday with opening arguments before Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Rene Navarro. The case is expected to last six to eight weeks.
Deputy District Attorney Ed Fernandez is prosecuting the case.
“We will begin opening statements on Monday,” Fernandez said. “The people’s case will take four to five weeks on the calendar but there is no time estimate if the defense puts on their case.”
Attorney John Garcia is acting for the defense.
Assistant District Attorney Karen Sinunu said Friday that, while the charge is murder, whether it is first or second degree will be determined by the jury.
“Murder is charged generically,” Sinunu said. “The jury decides whether it will be first or second degree murder.”
A first degree murder conviction could bring a sentence of 25 years to life.
When charges were first filed in 2002, the district attorney’s office said it would not ask for “special circumstances,” which allows for the death penalty.
The initial police investigation discovered that the couple had been arguing for several hours before the incident. Campodonica told police that during the fight a .22 caliber handgun discharged, hitting his wife, Tarina, in the head.
The trial takes place in Dept. 39, Superior Court Building, 190 W. Hedding, San Jose.
Carol Holzgrafe covers City Hall for The Times. She can be reached by e-mail at ch********@*************es.com or phoning (408) 779-4106 Ext. 201.
