A preliminary hearing for a defendant charged with the fatal stabbing of an El Centro man last year was set Tuesday to be heard today.
Four defense witnesses were ordered to appear for the hearing that will determine if there is enough evidence to hold defendant Javier Romo criminally liable for the Jan. 15, 2011, killing of Anthony McGee.
Defense attorney John Breeze, who represents Romo, said two more witnesses who testified during Romo’s first preliminary hearing are expected for today’s hearing at Superior Court in El Centro.
Breeze said he made a motion to disqualify retired Judge Christine Pate from hearing the case. Pate is a visiting judge.
Romo’s preliminary hearing, which is expected to take two days, will be heard before Imperial County Superior Court Judge Poli Flores, Breeze said.
Romo was released in April when there was insufficient evidence to make him stand trial for McGee’s killing.
In a separate case, Romo was arrested in the stabbing attack of an El Centro man near Swarthout Park in February 2011, in which he and co-defendant Luis Scott were convicted earlier this month of attempted second-degree murder.
Staff Writer Silvio J. Panta can be reached at 760-337-3442 or at spanta@ivpressonline.com
Four defense witnesses were ordered to appear for the hearing that will determine if there is enough evidence to hold defendant Javier Romo criminally liable for the Jan. 15, 2011, killing of Anthony McGee.
Defense attorney John Breeze, who represents Romo, said two more witnesses who testified during Romo’s first preliminary hearing are expected for today’s hearing at Superior Court in El Centro.
Breeze said he made a motion to disqualify retired Judge Christine Pate from hearing the case. Pate is a visiting judge.
Romo’s preliminary hearing, which is expected to take two days, will be heard before Imperial County Superior Court Judge Poli Flores, Breeze said.
Romo was released in April when there was insufficient evidence to make him stand trial for McGee’s killing.
In a separate case, Romo was arrested in the stabbing attack of an El Centro man near Swarthout Park in February 2011, in which he and co-defendant Luis Scott were convicted earlier this month of attempted second-degree murder.
Staff Writer Silvio J. Panta can be reached at 760-337-3442 or at spanta@ivpressonline.com
