A California man may have killed his wife to prevent her from testifying against him in a domestic violence case, prosecutors said.
Anthony Gumina, 44, is charged with murder in the death of his wife, Heather Gumina. The 33-year-old went missing in July, but her remains were found Sept. 6 in Pleasant Valley, KOVR-TV reported.
Anthony Gumina made his first court appearance Tuesday. According to a criminal complaint released the same day, prosecutors believe Heather Gumina "was a witness to a crime and was intentionally killed to prevent her from testifying in criminal proceedings."
According to a probation violation report from earlier in the year, Anthony Gumina is accused of attacking Heather Gumina while she held the couple's 4-year-old son, KOVR-TV reported. It also says Anthony Gumina stopped his wife from calling 911.
In another case, Anthony Gumina is accused of breaking Heather Gumina's collarbone shortly before she went missing.
Prosecutors believe Heather Gumina was killed "on or about" July 16, NBC News reported. She was reported missing three days later.
Anthony Gumina also has prior convictions for selling and possessing methamphetamine, KCRA-TV reported. His arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 24.
About the Author
