An Oxnard man convicted of killing his estranged wife was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison on Wednesday by Santa Barbara County Judge Jean Dandona. 

Roberto MunozSanchez, 41, pled guilty to premeditated and deliberate first-degree murder of Blanca Aguilera, 33. 

In September 2022, Aguilera was leaving her job in Ventura County when MunozSanchez ambushed her near her vehicle and then forced her to drive to a remote area in Montecito, Sheriff’s Office investigators said. 

When Aguilera tried to escape, MunozSanchez intentionally ran her over with her own vehicle. He then repeatedly drove over her as she lay helplessly in the road, according to the District Attorney’s Office. 

“Despite her injuries, Ms. Aguilera was still alive when a good Samaritan heard her cries for help and contacted the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded promptly, and Ms. Aguilera was able to identify MunozSanchez as the assailant before she succumbed to her injuries at Cottage Hospital,” the District Attorney’s Office said.

Detectives discovered security camera footage of the “horrific incident” and detectives tracked MunozSanchez to Mexico, prosecutors said.

Detective Matt Maxwell was able to convince MunozSanchez to return to the United States and surrender to law enforcement in October 2023.

“This was a brutal and senseless crime that has left a family shattered,” said District Attorney John Savrnoch. “We are deeply grateful for the dedication and professionalism shown by Detective Matt Maxwell and his team in investigating this case. Their perseverance in tracking down the defendant, even after he fled the country, was instrumental in bringing him to justice.”

Aguilera is survived by her mother and three sons.