jose antonio barajas Archives

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

Judge sentences Barajas 47 years to life

Published 04/11/2022
BenitoLink Reporter, Noe Magaña

Jose Antonio Barajas was convicted of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and shooting at an inhabited vehicle.

Second jury finds Barajas guilty of murder, kidnapping

Published 01/19/2022
BenitoLink Reporter, Noe Magaña

Sentencing is scheduled for March 4.

Jury hung on three counts in the Barajas case

Published 11/10/2021
BenitoLink Reporter, Noe Magaña

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

Jose Antonio Barajas has been held without bail since being extradited from Mexico in 2018. He is expected to face a 10-day jury trial in January 2020. Photos by John Chadwell.

Barajas set for 10-day jury trial in January

Published 10/05/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

He is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and kidnapping in 2014 incident.

Jose Antonio Barajas faces a charge of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder, and two counts of kidnapping and false imprisonment in relation to his alleged killing of 19-year-old Ariana Zendejas on Aug. 1, 2014. Photo by John Chadwell.

Barajas defense asks for motion to examine judge’s handling of case

Published 07/22/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

995 motion to be presented on Aug. 9.

Jose Antonio Barajas enters San Benito County Superior Court for a hearing on June 13 to determine a trial date, which was delayed because his attorney Gregory LaForge was ill. Photo by John Chadwell.

Barajas to appear in court June 27

Published 06/19/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Trial could begin in September or October.

Jose Antonio Barajas has plead not guilty to killing 19-year-old Ariana Zendejas in 2014. Photos by John Chadwell.

Barajas hearing delayed until June

Published 05/23/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Accused of murder and attempted murder in 2014 case.

Jose Antonio Barajas stands at an April 15 hearing at San Benito County Superior Court. He will be tried for premeditated, first degree murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and other charges. Photo by John Chadwell.

Three eyewitnesses say Jose Antonio Barajas fired shot that killed Ariana Zendejas

Published 04/17/2019
John Chadwell

District Attorney goes for premeditated, first-degree murder; defense says Barajas was only shooting at the tires and didn't mean to hit anyone.

Court bailiffs lead Jose Antonio Barajas into court where he may soon be on trial for murder and other felonies. Photos by John Chadwell.

Murder suspect Barajas back in court

Published 10/23/2018
John Chadwell

Decision on preliminary hearing date expected this week.

Jose Antonio Barajas told Judge Steven Sanders he could not afford an attorney. He is being held without bail. Photos by John Chadwell.

Jose Barajas appointed public defender, no bail

Published 07/19/2018
John Chadwell

Accused of murdering 18-year-old Ariana Zendejas in 2014, Jose Barajas was appointed a public defender and will return to court July 26 to continue his arraignment.

Jose Barajas. Photo provided by the Hollister Police Department.

Jose Barajas arraigned on murder and six other felonies

Published 07/17/2018
John Chadwell

After his capture in Mexico, Jose Barajas was extradited to San Benito County and is being charged with seven felonies, ranging from murder to multiple counts of kidnapping and assault with a firearm.

(Left to right) Camila Zendejas, Marisela Zedejas, and Jesus Ruiz standing next to pictures of Ariana Zendejas at the July 13 press conference. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Police / Fire

Suspected killer of Ariana Zendejas arrested in Mexico, deported to U.S.

Published 07/13/2018
Noe Magaña

Ariana Zendejas was shot and killed on Aug. 1, 2014. Long suspected as her killer, Jose Antonio Barajas was arrested in Mexico and transported to San Benito County.

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