Anthony Cifuentes, who made headlines after his chilling actions during a burglary were caught on camera, has been convicted of first-degree burglary, assault with intent to commit rape, and rape. Cifuentes, known for a viral video showing him watch a couple as they slept during a break-in, has been sentenced to 23 years and 8 months in prison.
A series of horrifying events led to Cifuentes's conviction. The first incident occurred in 2022 when Cifuentes entered a woman's apartment through the kitchen window and raped her. According to the San Bernardino County District Attorney's office, the victim, identified as Jane Doe in court documents, experienced an unimaginable terror. She recounted to the court how she feared for her life before realizing that Cifuentes intended to rape her.
Approximately a week after the assault on Jane Doe, Cifuentes's crime spree continued with another break-in. This incident, which was recorded on surveillance camera, showed Cifuentes prowling through a family's home, sifting through their belongings and pausing to stare at them as they slept. It was the night nurse, attending to a child in the home, who confronted Cifuentes when he tried to enter the apartment for a second time. His eerie parting words to her were, "You should really lock your door, there are some people walking around outside that can come in."
The crucial DNA evidence that connected Cifuentes to these crimes came from the black hat and bandana left behind at the scene of the second burglary and the rape kit from the first incident. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's crime lab analysis confirmed the DNA matched to Cifuentes. During the trial, which was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Sheila Monjazeb and investigated by the San Bernardino Police Dept, Cifuentes showed no remorse or responsibility for his actions. On August 2nd, 2024, Judge Malone handed down the sentence after a jury's conviction.
