News briefs

Friday, Feb. 11, 2000 | 11:37 a.m.

Man takes plea deal in attack on wife

The preliminary hearing for a man charged with first-degree murder in the beating death of his 32-year-old wife on Dec. 18 ended prematurely Thursday when a plea bargain was reached.

Ponciano Santarin, 34, has agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder in the beating of Venus Santarin in her home at 1913 Rose Coral Ave., near Martin Luther King Boulevard and Vegas Drive.

Justice of the Peace Doug Smith ordered Santarin to appear in District Court on Feb. 17 to enter his plea.

He had been arrested after police responded to a 911 call about a woman having difficulty breathing. Police determined the woman was the victim of a battery and arrested her husband.

Charges were upgraded to murder when the victim died of a severe brain injury.

CAT on prowl to LV Speedway

The Regional Transportation Commission announced Wednesday that the agency will provide bus service to all Winston Cup events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway events from March 2-5.

The use of the Citizens Area Transit bus service will help avoid the traffic problems that hive ensnarled motorists near the speedway during previous Winston Cup races.

Race fans can take the regular buses along the Strip, numbers 301 and 301, and transfer to a specially marked "NASCAR" bus. Regular Strip fare is $2 and transfer to the race bus will be an additional $1.

Riders also will be able to catch the speedway bus at all northbound bus stops serving major hotels along Las Vegas Boulevard for $3. For additional information, call 228-7433.