SAN JOSE (BCN) — A 26-year-old man who allegedly kidnapped and attacked at least two prostitutes with knives in San Jose over the weekend was arraigned today, a Santa Clara County deputy district attorney said.
Edwin Muncada, a San Jose resident, was arraigned on two counts each of attempted murder, attempted kidnapping and assault with the intent to rape, Deputy District Attorney Carlos Vega said.
Muncada allegedly attacked two women in their 20s in “rapid succession” early Saturday morning and there may be a third woman who police have not found, Vega said.
He appeared in a red jail uniform at the Hall of Justice in San Jose before Judge Shelyna Brown and did not enter a plea. His next court hearing was scheduled for Aug. 5.
Muncada faces life in prison if convicted on the charges, Vega said.
Shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday, Muncada drove up to a woman in the area of Monterey Road and Alma Avenue where he agreed to pay her in exchange for sex, Vega said.
The woman entered the car, where Muncada allegedly put a knife to her neck and covered her head with duct tape, according to Vega.
The woman was able to jump out of the vehicle while Mucada was driving and caught the attention of a passing police sergeant, Vega said.
About 30 to 45 minutes later, Muncada picked up a second woman who he also solicited for sex, Vega said.
While she was inside his car, Muncada allegedly pulled out a knife and became involved in a violent struggle with her, according to Vega.
The woman had injuries to her hands because she attempted to grab the blade from Muncada, according to Vega.
He allegedly punched and stabbed the woman and bit her back, Vega said.
The woman was able to escape and a passing Uber driver was able to help her and call police, Vega said.
Police received a report of a third victim who was also stabbed in the area and escaped, Vega said.
Officers were dispatched to the area where they pulled over Muncada around 2 a.m., according to Vega.
Muncada was found covered in blood, which was also found in his car along with a package of steel kitchen knives, one of women’s hair weaves, duct tape with blood and a black mask, according to Vega.