New Trial Date Set for Two Defendants in CDCR Counselor’s Murder – April 22nd

The trial for two men accused of killing a corrections counselor in Bakersfield, California has been delayed to April 22 due to defense counsel not being ready to start. Sebastian Parra and Robert Pernell Roberts are charged with murder and attempted robbery in the death of Benny Alcala Jr., who was shot in the area of a Target store while charging his electric vehicle. Parra, the prosecution’s key witness, claims that Roberts tried to rob Alcala because he believed he had money due to owning an electric vehicle. Parra stated that he only met Roberts that night and was not involved in the killing.

Defense counsel for Parra and Roberts told Judge Charles R. Brehmer that they were not ready for trial, with Timothy Hennessy expecting the trial he is currently in to be at or near its end by the new hearing date. Gordon Lake, representing Roberts, also believes that he will be ready for trial by April 22. Both Parra and Roberts could face life terms in prison if convicted of the murder and attempted robbery of Alcala. The trial delay will allow the defense counsel to prepare their case further before the trial proceedings begin.

The incident occurred on August 24, 2022, when Alcala was shot near a Target location while charging his electric vehicle. Parra claims that Roberts attempted to rob Alcala because he believed he had money due to owning the electric vehicle. Parra, who was later indicted by a grand jury, maintains that he had no involvement in the killing and only met Roberts that night. Both defendants face serious charges that could result in life in prison if found guilty of the murder and attempted robbery of the corrections counselor.

The delay in the trial for Parra and Roberts allows defense counsel more time to prepare for the case and ensure they are ready for trial by the new hearing date of April 22. The prosecution’s key witness, Parra, maintains his innocence in the killing of Alcala and asserts that he was not involved in the crime. The defense counsel for both defendants are working to ensure they are prepared for trial and can effectively represent their clients in court. The trial proceedings are expected to continue as scheduled once the defense counsel is ready for the trial to begin.

The case of the two men accused of killing a corrections counselor in Bakersfield, California has been delayed until April 22, as defense counsel was not prepared for trial. Sebastian Parra and Robert Pernell Roberts face charges of murder and attempted robbery in the death of Benny Alcala Jr., who was shot near a Target store while charging his electric vehicle. Parra, the prosecution’s key witness, claims that Roberts attempted to rob Alcala, believing he had money due to his ownership of an electric vehicle. The defense counsel is working to ensure they are ready for trial by the new hearing date and continue to prepare their case for the proceedings to come.