Trial in CDCR counselor’s slaying postponed, attorneys unavailable
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The trial of two men charged in the death of a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation counselor was postponed Monday, and will likely be pushed back even further, due to defense counsel being involved in other cases.
Deputy Public Defender Gordon Lake, who represents Robert Pernell Roberts, said he’s currently in trial. Timothy Hennessy, defense counsel for Sebastian Parra, won’t be ready until April 1, according to a representative from his law firm.
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Judge Eric Bradshaw scheduled a hearing next week for an update.
Roberts, 30, and Parra, 24, are charged with murder in the Aug. 24, 2022, shooting death of Benny Alcala Jr.
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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 indicted Parra months later.
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