court

Manuel Martinez Vazquez said he understood when Judge Breen told him he had given up his right to remain silent. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Manuel Martinez Vazquez pleads guilty to second-degree murder

He was charged with the 2021 DUI-related death of Sarah Villar and will be sentenced Oct. 6.

David Pequeno at the June 24, 2021 hearing. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Police / Fire

Hollister resident sentenced to state hospital in arson cases

Confinement set at 13.5 years.

Jose Antonio Barajas at the Sept. 16 hearing. File photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Jury hung on three counts in the Barajas case

Barajas was found not guilty of two counts of attempted murder and guilty of shooting at an inhabited vehicle.

Courtney Evans and a group of supporters outside of the Superior Court of San Benito County on March 30, 2021. Photo courtesy of Courtney Evans.

News

Hollister face mask opponent opts to hire attorney

Court sets Aug. 17 date for Courtney Evans to identify counsel in her trespassing and resisting arrest trial.

Sang Ji walks into the courtroom during a March hearing as Jung Choi confers with defense attorney Harry Damkar through her Korean interpreter. Photos by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Ji and Choi will be tried separately

Criminal proceedings against Ji suspended while expert determines if he is mentally competent to stand trial.

John Pimentel addresses the crowd.jpg

Agriculture

UPDATED: Judge to rule on fate of solar project on Sept. 17

The court is considering a motion by environmental groups to delay the impending start of construction of the Panoche Valley Solar Project

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