Couple Sentenced in Case of Fatal Stabbing in Rose Bowl Parking Lot

A couple were sentenced today for their roles in the fatal stabbing of a man in the parking lot of the Rose Bowl in 2018, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.

Miguel Castaneda, 24, of Los Angeles was sentenced to 12 years in state prison. He pleaded no contest last month to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter and admitted using a knife as a deadly and dangerous weapon.

Deputy District Attorney Christopher Stogel said co-defendant Valentina Rosales, 25, of Pasadena was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading no contest to one felony count of accessory after the fact.

Victim Demetrio Tapia Jr., 22, was stabbed to death during a fight with Castaneda on Oct. 1, 2018, the prosecutor said. Rosales was present during the fight and helped Castaneda flee the scene.