Attempted murder charges stick in Sycamore Inn attack

A West Valley Superior Court judge denied a defense motion today to dismiss attempted-murder charges against a man accused of stabbing his former boss in the neck at the Sycamore Inn in Rancho Cucamonga.

Prosecutors have accused Colton resident Travis Lee Mascarenas, 39, of returning to the restaurant on Aug. 7, 2007 to rob the establishment.

When manager Louis Alvarez stumbled upon Mascarenas as Alvarez was preparing to close for the night at about 10 p.m., Mascarenas stabbed him in the neck.

Mascarenas's attorney, Mary Bernal-Flores, said her client's act was "impulsive," and was prompted by Alvarez making a sudden motion toward Mascarenas.

Mascarenas didn't have time to consider the consequences of his actions, Bernal-Flores said.

There was "no indication he tried to hill him whatsoever," Bernal-Flores said.

"Except that he stabbed him in the neck," Judge Steve Malone responded.

Malone rejected the defense motion to dismiss the charge, saying there is "reasonable suspicion that a crime occurred."

The court tentatively set a trial date for Dec. 16.