san benito county superior court Archives

Jung Choi said she was remorseful for her involvement in the killing of Hollister resident Yoon Ji, but that did not sway the judge as he sentenced her to 11 years in prison. Photo by John Chadwell.

Justice

Jung Choi sentenced to 11 years for voluntary manslaughter

Published 07/17/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

She had pleaded no contest to charges in the killing of Hollister resident Yoon Ji.

The Superior Court of California in San Benito County is located at 450 Fourth Street in Hollister. File photo.

Justice

SBC Superior Court expands services while taking action to curtail effect of COVID-19

Published 07/06/2020
BenitoLink Staff

Clerk window to open for filing and payments.

Justice

SBC Superior Court extends rescheduling of hearings

Published 04/15/2020
BenitoLink Staff

Effort made to curtail effects of COVID-19.

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.

Police / Fire

Sang Ji convicted of first-degree murder

Published 03/19/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

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

Christopher Larios, 34, will continue to be held without bail in connection with the alleged murder of Raul De La Rosa on Dec. 23, 2014. Photos by John Chadwell.

Justice

No bail for Christopher Larios in 2014 homicide

Published 02/27/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Arraignment hearing set for March 12.

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.

Police / Fire

Ji and Choi trial set for March 9

Published 01/21/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

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

Government / Politics

San Benito County faces lawsuits on hwy nodes, retiree health plans

Published 01/10/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Noe Magaña

SBC and Hollister are also in litigation with developers over annexation fees.

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.

Police / Fire

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.

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

Police / Fire

Ji and Choi trial-setting hearing is Oct. 4

Published 09/17/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Judge Steven Sanders denies motions from both defendants.

Judge Omar Rodriguez was elected in November 2018 to replace Judge Harry Tobias as one of two judges at San Benito County Superior Court. Photo by Becky Bonner.

Government / Politics

A day in the life of a San Benito County judge

Published 07/26/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, Becky Bonner

Omar Rodriguez reflects on his new position and ensuring that all people receive a fair hearing.

Sang Ji entering the courtroom on July 12. Ji turned down voluntary manslaughter that may have resulted in five-and-a-half years in prison instead of a life sentence. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Sang Ji turns down voluntary manslaughter plea deal

Published 07/15/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

In response, his defense attorney quits the case. Next hearing is July 31.

After Sang Ji requested a speedy trial, Judge Sanders said he would be happy to do it, and set the trial for July 22.

Police / Fire

Ji, Choi trial date set for July 22

Published 06/30/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Confirmation hearing set for July 12; Choi’s attorney moves to dismiss case.

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.

Police / Fire

Barajas to appear in court June 27

Published 06/19/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Trial could begin in September or October.

Sang Ji appeared in San Benito County Superior Court on May 24. He is accused of killing his wife Yoon Ji. Photos by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Sang Ji competent to stand trial

Published 05/24/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Pre-trial conference set for June 28.

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

Police / Fire

Barajas hearing delayed until June

Published 05/23/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Accused of murder and attempted murder in 2014 case.

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