A 26-year-old Santa Rosa man who was stabbed by an acquaintance nearly two weeks ago has died, marking the city’s 12th homicide of the year, police said.
Jacob Phillips was stabbed once in the chest the night of Oct. 7 inside his apartment on West Third Street, east of Pierson Street, Santa Rosa police Sgt. Patricia Seffens said. He underwent emergency surgery and was placed on life support but died Saturday.
Police determined through witness statements that Robert Mendoza, 27, stabbed Phillips during an argument, then ran from the scene. Officers chased him and released a police dog after he ignored commands to stop, Seffens said. The dog caught him near B and Fifth streets.
Mendoza, who lived in the same apartment complex, was treated for lacerations and booked into the Sonoma County jail without bail. Prosecutors charged him Oct. 8 with attempted murder and two misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest. Following Phillips’ death, police said they are asking prosecutors to amend the charge to murder.
Assistant District Attorney Brian Staebell said his office has received the new information but has not yet completed its review. If prosecutors decide to amend the charge, that could happen this week. He added that officials are less concerned about the timing since Mendoza remains in custody without bail.
Investigators have not found the weapon, believed to be a knife. Detectives continue to investigate and have not released details about the argument or motive.
Police ask anyone with information to call the violent crimes tip line at 707-543-3590 or submit a tip online at srcity.org/crimetips.