Plea Postponed for Serial Rape Suspect

Murder and rape suspect Vincent Sanchez appeared in a Ventura County courtroom Tuesday but did not enter pleas to 79 criminal charges contained in a grand jury indictment.

Sanchez was ordered to return to court Oct. 3.

Chief Deputy Public Defender Neil Quinn said Sanchez may plead guilty to sexual assault charges at that time.

Sanchez, a 30-year-old handyman, is accused of raping or attempting to rape 15 young Simi Valley women in their homes over the past five years.

Authorities suspect his conduct escalated to murder with the July 5 shooting death of 20-year-old college student Megan Barroso, whose body was found in a remote canyon near Simi Valley.

Quinn said Sanchez is prepared to admit to some of the sexual assault charges but denies killing Barroso.

Tuesday’s court hearing was postponed after Quinn requested more time to review a prosecution motion made in response to a brief he filed alleging technical flaws in the indictment.