By Gina Kim
SANTA BARBARA, CA – After allegedly beating a fellow inmate with four other associates during his time at Santa Barbara County Jail, a man was charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor in a preliminary hearing here Friday in Santa Barbara County Superior Court.
Deputy Michael Callahan informed the court that, on March 16 of this year, he heard noises coming from the main jail’s east side. Callahan arrived at the shower and seating areas around 4:50 p.m. There he identified Joshua Camarillo Sanchez, engaged, the deputy said, in hitting and kicking the victim repeatedly others piling on.
Callahan ordered them to stop fighting and “lock it down.” The assailants did not comply with verbal commands. Five more minutes of fighting ensued. The commotion only ceased after additional officers arrived on the scene, stopping the assailants through force, Callahan said.
Deputy District Attorney Wesley Meyer presented photographs of the victim for Callahan to identify, which he did, noting the blood down the man’s face and body, as well as his swollen right eye.
Following the altercation, the victim was taken to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for medical attention. A review of medical records indicated several sutures and an oracle fracture beneath the right eye. Callahan noted this was where the victim’s bruising was heaviest.
Assistant Public Defender Richard Steele questioned whether Callahan was aware of what started the incident, or if he knew how long it took place before he arrived. Callahan confirmed he did not. Steele then asked if the victim ever struck in retaliation.
“He was on the floor,” Callahan said. “Might’ve thrown a couple punches, but he was mainly covering up…defending not landing.”
Judge Pauline Maxwell found sufficient cause on all three counts—assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, battery with serious injury, and resisting arrest.
Another preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place next week. Both cases will reconvene on Nov. 17.
