A South San Francisco man said he “snapped” and wanted to kill his roommate when he stabbed him with a knife eight times during an argument Wednesday night, according to police.

Prosecutors charged Bernie Castro, 58, with attempted murder with the use of a knife, infliction of great bodily injury and assault with a deadly weapon. He appeared in court Friday afternoon for his initial arraignment, according to Assistant Deputy District Attorney Karen Guidotti.

A motive in the Nov. 11 attack is unclear but, according to South San Francisco police, Castro told authorities while being interviewed that he lost control of himself, “snapped” and intended to kill Landi.

The two men live together on the 100 block of Gardener Avenue. At approximately 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11, the two began arguing. After exchanging words, Castro retrieved a knife from his room and attacked Landi, according to police.

Landi was struck eight times in the head, face, neck and torso before escaping. He was taken to San Francisco General Hospital for treatment and later released.

Meanwhile, police found Castro in the backyard and arrested him on suspicion of attempted murder. The knife used in the attack was found in Castro’s room.

Castro, who lists his occupation as candy producer, remains in custody on no-bail status.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call South San Francisco police Detective Ken Chetcuti at 877-8910.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.