Fresno County DA steps into courtroom to put spotlight on domestic violence and suspect accused in horrible case

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The former Domestic Violence Deputy DA turned top prosecutor told us she is back in court to show her commitment to victims of domestic violence by prosecuting a man who, "took it to the ultimate level of violence."

In court documents, prosecutors described Bernardo Madueno as a "mercilessly violent person." Eighteen months ago, Clovis police said he shot his girlfriend in the back as she ran away from him, then four more times after she fell down.

"Not only did he shoot the mother of his children, he then punched her after she was shot," said Lisa Sondergaard Smittcamp, Fresno County District Attorney.

Police said they found the gun in the street, but by then, Madueno was long gone.

Court records show he had threatened to shoot her before and said after he killed her, he'd run away to Mexico-- and that's exactly where he went.

But a little more than a year later, Mexican police handed him back to U.S. Marshals.

"The truth is, he turned himself in and requested to come back and face these charges," Jane Boulger, Madueno's public defender.

Back in Fresno, Madueno's defense attorney argued he deserves at least a chance to post bail. But between his violence and his escape, Smittcamp disagreed.

"I think his behavior is indicative of the fact that he is a flight risk and he should be held without bail."

The victim survived the attack, but Madueno's attorney said she left the area and he has no idea where she is anymore.

The judge will rule on Madueno's bail on Thursday.