I have no experience with neotropical Wood turtles, but this unfortunate accident is VERY common in North American Wood turtles. Many species of turtles that breed in water but do not have well developed webbing on their rear and front feet are at risk for this (Blandings, Spotted, Bog, NA Wood, and even Gulf Coast Box turtles). I have heard stories of accidental drownings of females by aggressive males in all of these species. I'd imagine that it is possible for CA Wood turtles also.

If the female is of comparable size to the male, and the water feature has gently sloping sides that are easy to grip, I'd say that it is unlikely the male is to blame. A healthy female of equal or slightly smaller size can easily carry herself and a male out of water. If the sides are slippery or steep I would say that it's very possible.

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