murder trial

Sang Ji faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison and is expected to be sentenced on April 30. Photos by John Chadwell.

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Sang Ji convicted of first-degree murder

Facing a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.

Jung Choi at a Jan. 10 hearing. Over the course of nearly two years of hearings, she has remained mostly silent and communicated only through an interpreter. Photos by John Chadwell.

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Ji and Choi trial set for March 9

They are charged with first-degree murder in the December 2017 death of Yoon ‘Clara’ Ji.

Defense attorney Arthur Cantu and defendant Sang Ji in San Benito County Superior Court. Photo by John Chadwell.

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Ji and Choi trial-setting hearing is Oct. 4

Judge Steven Sanders denies motions from both defendants.

Sang Ji walks into the courtroom at the July 31 hearing. Photo by Noe Magaña.

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Defense strategies block hearings again in Yoon Ji murder case

Sang Ji’s new attorney aims to challenge a search warrant; Jung Choi’s attorney wants defendants tried separately.

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.

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

995 motion to be presented on Aug. 9.

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.

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Ji and Choi will be tried separately

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

Jung Choi and Sang Ji glance at San Benito County District Attorney Candice Hooper as she speaks with defense attorney Harry Damkar. Photo by John Chadwell.

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Ji and Choi to be tried for murder

Two-day hearing reviews forensic evidence from sheriff’s deputies and detectives. Superior Court Judge Felice rules there is enough evidence to go to trial.

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Hollister murder suspects back in court, set to return in March

South Korean TV news crew is also on hand to film hour-long documentary.

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Judge grants three-week continuance in Barajas case

Attorney LaForge requested time to prepare defense.

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