Goleta Man Arrested for Stabbing Ex-Girlfriend’s New Boyfriend

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a Goleta man in connection with a stabbing that left a man seriously injured late last month, the agency announced Tuesday.

Deputies responded to a 911 call on March 25 in the 1100 block of Via Regina reporting an intruder fleeing a residence.

They found an adult male with multiple stab wounds and rendered aid until medical personnel arrived. The victim was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries and is expected to recover, officials said.

During the investigation, deputies identified the suspect as 39-year-old Jorge Luis Jijon-Lagara of Goleta. Authorities say Jijon-Lagara had been surveilling his ex-girlfriend, who was in a relationship with the victim.

Deputies conducted an extensive search of nearby neighborhoods the night of the attack but did not locate the suspect.

On Thursday, April 2, detectives served a search and arrest warrant at a residence in the 200 block of Hillview Road in Goleta.

Jijon-Lagara was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Santa Barbara County Main Jail on felony charges including attempted murder and stalking. He is being held without bail.