Trial under way in Sycamore Inn attack

RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- A jury is expected to hear opening statements from attorneys Tuesday morning in the case of a former employee of the Sycamore Inn accused of stabbing his former boss in a robbery attempt, a prosecutor said today.

Prosecutors accuse Travis Lee Mascarenas, 40, of sneaking into the historic Rancho Cucamonga steakhouse at about closing time on Aug. 7, 2007, then ambushing and demanding money from a part owner of the business.

Mascarenas, of Colton, allegedly stabbed his former boss in the neck with a knife during the robbery attempt. He quit his job at the restaurant about a month before the incident.

Deputy District Attorney Kyung Kim said a jury was seated in the case this afternoon in West Valley Superior Court.

After opening statements, in which attorneys typically give an overview of a case, Kim said he expects to call the alleged victim to testify, as well as other Sycamore Inn employees.