Next hearing in CDCR counselor’s slaying set for April 2

Jason Kotowski
·1 min read

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Defense counsel for two men charged with killing a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation counselor said Wednesday they’re not ready for trial, and a new hearing date was set for April 2.

Both Robert Roberts and Sebastian Parra are charged with murder in the Aug. 24, 2022, shooting death of Benny Alcala Jr.

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Deputy Public Defender Gordon Lake, Roberts’ attorney, said he’s currently in trial on another case. Timothy Hennessy, the attorney representing Parra, also said he wasn’t ready.

Sebastian Parra, file image
Sebastian Parra, file image

Roberts was charged in early September 2022; Parra served as the prosecution’s key witness during Roberts’ preliminary hearing.

Parra testified Roberts targeted Alcala, 43, believing the counselor had money because he was charging an electric vehicle near the Target on Stockdale Highway. A grand jury later indicted Parra.

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