A California man has avoided prison after being convicted of violently sexually assaulting and brutally disfiguring a woman in the presence of her 13-year-old daughter.
Trevor Colombano, 38 years old, of Santa Rosa, was sentenced Tuesday to a single term of probation after pleading “no contest” – meaning that he accepted conviction without admitting guilt – to charges of sexual battery, assault with a deadly weapon, and mayhem – a charge otherwise known as permanent disfigurement, according to the Sonoma County District Attorney.
A public records search revealed Colombano had no criminal history.
However, in a move that has sparked widespread condemnation, Colombano has evaded jail after Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Dana Simonds felt the defendant’s cannabis consumption, stress, and mental health issues, were sufficient justifications for allowing him to be released from custody.
Colombano faced further charges of inflicting great bodily injury upon the victim and the use of a deadly weapon alongside the charge of mayhem.
The heinous incident unfolded on October 28, 2023. The victim, 41, was walking her dog outside of her Santa Rosa apartment.
During the walk, she was ambushed from behind by Colombano – who is believed to have argued with his girlfriend just before, as per The Press Democrat.
He began to molest her, and when she attempted to push him off her, his attack intensified, according to Sonoma County authorities.
The attack began with the suspect punching his victim in the head, he then escalated after he picked up “a landscaping rock and repeatedly bashed the victim’s face with it.”
He also ripped off the victim’s shirt and bra during the attack, according to Sonoma authorities.
The woman’s 13-year-old daughter and 13-year-old cousin watched on as the victim was savagely beaten to the ground.
Witnesses reportedly heard Colombano scream out, “I am Jesus,” “Help me” and “You’re going to find out,” according to court records seen by The Press Democrat.
The woman was saved by two bystanders who managed to wrestle Colombano to the ground, holding him down until police arrived.
The victim suffered multiple lacerations to her scalp and a full-thickness laceration to her lip. Her injuries were so extreme that they required 17 sutures, 5 staples.
