The man who attacked a 35-year-old woman at Point Dume State Park was sentenced today to 24 years in prison.
Christian Marcus Verdin, 31, of San Bernardino, pleaded no contest to assault with intent to commit a rape and second-degree robbery in connection with the March 12 attack.
Van Nuys Superior Court Judge Michael Kellogg dismissed two other counts, assault with a deadly weapon and grand theft auto, in exchange for Verdin’s no contest plea.
The 35-year-old victim had been jogging in Point Dume Preserve State Park on March 12, when at the conclusion of her run she walked to the edge of a cliff and was then grabbed from behind by Verdin, who, she told authorities, attempted to sexually assault her. The victim struggled and was able to break free; she jumped and slid approximately 150 feet down a cliff.
Several witnesses heard the woman’s cries and went to her aid.
The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment. She sustained abrasions and bruises predominantly from the fall down the face of the cliff.
Verdin was identified as a suspect in the attack through analysis of DNA obtained from a bottle found at the crime scene and from fingernail scratches from the victim. He had been on parole for burglary committed in 2008.
Verdin was arrested nearly three weeks after the attack in an area within the City of San Bernardino and taken into custody without incident.