The testimony was the first jurors heard in the trial of 31-year-old Thomas William Abney since a Superior Court judge suspended the trial in November pending a mental evaluation of Abney. Jurors in Superior Court Judge Joan P. Weber's courtroom are scheduled to hear testimony today from the victim, a 43-year-old Vista woman.
Abney has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted premeditated murder, torture, mayhem, robbery and auto theft. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of three life terms plus 16 years in prison. He would not be eligible for parole for more than 30 years.
The victim testified at a preliminary hearing in June that she had a monthlong romance with Abney over the Internet before the two arranged to meet in Vista.
After a week-long visit in May ---- during which Abney stayed in her apartment ---- the woman testified Abney attacked her as the pair hugged good-bye. Abney allegedly threw the victim on the bed, attempted to strangle her and struck her with a hammer.
Detective Todd Richardson said Tuesday that officers arrested Abney after he boarded an Alaska Airlines flight bound for Oregon at Lindbergh Field. After searching the defendant's carry-on bag, officers found a purse and wallet that belonged to the victim.
Richardson said officers also found the victim's car in the airport parking lot. Abney allegedly drove it from the victim's apartment after the assault.
Deputy District Attorney Christine Trevino said the evidence points to Abney.
"(Abney) left the apartment, there were things missing from the apartment, and he was in possession of those items," Trevino said.
Deputy Public Defender Scott Cadzow did not give an opening statement Tuesday, but has the option of doing so later. He would not comment on the case outside the courtroom.
Superior Court Judge Peter Deddeh suspended the case in November to determine whether Abney was mentally fit to stand trial. A doctor evaluated Abney in January and determined he was competent, Trevino said Tuesday.
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