A Lancaster man has pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife after an argument in June.
Rafael Barragan, 47, is charged with one count each of murder and dissuading a witness.
Prosecutors allege that Barragan used a knife in the June 29 attack on his 37-year-old wife, Katrina.
Barragan allegedly stabbed his wife after an argument that began after leaving a birthday party earlier in the evening, according to prosecutors.
He allegedly interrupted his wife’s call to police before her death, prosecutors said.
Barragan was arrested July 2 by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies.
He is due back in a Lancaster courtroom Sept. 26 for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial.
If convicted as charged, Barragan could face more than 26 years to life in state prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
