Sanchez Out Of Medically-Induced Coma, Starting To Speak

A former Coachella Valley Assembly candidate stabbed in the diaphragm and heart while trying to break up an argument at a birthday party came out a medically induced coma in a Los Angeles hospital.

Steve Sanchez, 34, a former Marine who served in Iraq, was among two people stabbed early Sunday at a private residence in Whittier after a confrontation involving two intoxicated friends of homeowner Gabriel Davalos, also 34. They apparently showed up unexpectedly and had been asked to leave.

Davalos, who suffered a wound in the side of the chest, also was hospitalized at the intensive care unit at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.

Sanchez, whose ventricle — one of the heart’s four chambers — was reportedly pierced, was admitted to the eastside hospital, under an assumed name, following the 1:30 a.m. attack.

His sister posted on her Facebook page that her brother came out of the coma late last night, and was listening to the well-wishes of friends and family.

Today, he started speaking again, she said. “He’s a true Marine.”

The La Quinta Republican lost a November election bid in the 80th Assembly District to Democrat Manuel Perez.

Whittier police have reported no arrests in the case but are said to have “developed sound information pertaining to the suspects.”