A Bakersfield man, Manuel Leal Robles, 37, has been charged with first-degree murder after police say he shot his wife, Ana Karen Robles, with an AR-15 on Nov. 26 while their 15-year-old son watched. The son reportedly wrestled the rifle away and threw it over a fence. Officers say Robles made spontaneous statements after his arrest admitting responsibility and referring to an alleged affair. He faces additional charges including willful cruelty to a child and is being held without bail; his next hearing is Feb. 11.
California Man Accused Of Killing Wife With AR-15 In Front Of Son Says She 'Cheated,' Police Say
Karen Robles/FacebookAna Karen Robles
Manuel Leal Robles, 37, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after police say he shot his wife, Ana Karen Robles, with an AR-15 in front of their 15-year-old son on Nov. 26 in Bakersfield.
According to an 86-page police report obtained by PEOPLE, the teenage son told investigators that both parents had been drinking and began arguing that evening. The report says Robles later admitted to officers that he drank two bottles of vodka and blacked out. The events that followed are alleged and Robles has pleaded not guilty.
What Happened
The son told police he found his mother curled in a fetal position on her bed while Robles stood over her pointing a handgun. The report states Robles fired several shots at a safe in the bedroom, left briefly, and then returned carrying an AR-15. The teen alleged his father said, "this is what happens when you cheat," and shot Ana multiple times.
After the shooting, the boy said Robles put the rifle's barrel in his mouth but did not pull the trigger. The son wrestled the weapon away and tossed it over a fence. He also told investigators he intervened in the kitchen to keep his father from accessing knives. Robles fled the home but was located and arrested about two miles away at a shopping center.
Arrest, Statements And Evidence
Officers who arrested Robles recorded what they described as spontaneous admissions on bodycam. According to the report, Robles told officers:
"I f---ed up, my wife cheated on me and I f---ed up."He is also quoted as saying,
"She made a mistake and I killed her for it. She didn't deserve that."
Charges And Next Steps
Robles is charged with first-degree murder, willful cruelty to a child and inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. Jail records show he has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail at the Lerdo Justice Facility. His next court date is scheduled for Feb. 11. Information about defense counsel was not immediately available.
Context And Legal Note
This account is based on information in the police report and statements from investigators; the allegations have not been proven in court. Robles is presumed innocent until convicted. The case also highlights issues of domestic violence and firearm-related homicide under California law; prosecutors will determine appropriate charges and evidence to pursue at trial.
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