Yesterday, a Sonoma County domestic abuser, Adrian Aldama, aged 37, was sentenced to more than 15 years behind bars for violent crimes committed against his partner to shed, at large, light on the persistent issue of domestic violence locally. Aldama pleaded his guilt to six felonies relating to domestic violence that resulted in injury, assault with a deadly weapon, death threats issuance, and false imprisonment.
As per Sonoma County District Attorney's Office, the victim, a 38-year-old woman, withstood Aldama's abuse for eight months, from August 2022 to March 2023. Aldama once strangled the woman to unconsciousness led to her miscarriage, throwing her to the ground and pressing his knee onto her pregnant abdomen. The victim's 12-year-old son had to intervene when Aldama suffocated her with a pillow. The victim reported multiple instances of strangulation, death threats, and violent attacks prompting his confession of using fentanyl and methamphetamine when the crimes occurred.
Aldama had a criminal record preceding this violent relationship. His past criminal activities included reckless driving, a concealed firearm's possession, and an attempted robbery, which had him serving five years in prison. Aldama got parole in July 2022, shortly before he started dating the victim.
The victim, at the sentencing of her aggressor, presented an intense statement, expressing that she lives "by a miracle," and stressed that knowing "the truth is crucial," indeed. Her experience mirrors many others who silently endure domestic brutality. Even though Aldama's conviction seems like justice for the victim and her son, the impact is lessened by Proposition 57, passed in 2016. Despite a sentence above 15 years due to the legislation, Aldama is regarded as a non-violent offender. Thus, he is eligible for a parole release after only serving four years of his term.
While the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office continues fighting domestic violence, others like the Family Justice Center Sonoma County are working to provide victims with the support and resources they need.
