trial

Jose Barajas has been held without bail for three years and may go to trial Oct. 4, if he is not offered and accepts a plea bargain. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Jose Barajas murder trial set for Oct. 4, pending possible plea deal

He is charged with eight felonies and has been held without bail for three years.

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

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

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Police / Fire

Hollister doctor will stand trial Oct. 28

Annamalai Ashokan faces one charge of misdemeanor sexual battery in Butte County.

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

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

File photo: As he left the court, Barajas glanced back at someone sitting in the gallery. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Barajas hearing delayed three weeks

Defense seeks time to review witness list.

Jung Choi greets her translator before taking a seat during a May 1 hearing at San Benito County Superior Court. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Police / Fire

Ji and Choi hearings delayed

Defense attorney Gregory LaForge asks for two weeks to review Ji’s mental competency evaluation.

Sang Ji in San Benito County Superior Court during a 2019 hearing. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Sang Ji hearing moved to May 1

Jung Choi scheduled to appear in court the same day.

Police / Fire

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.

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

Police / Fire

Murder suspect Barajas back in court

Decision on preliminary hearing date expected this week.

South Korean citizen and suspect Jung Choi enters courtroom as her accused accomplice Sang Ji sits nearby. Photos by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Preliminary hearing set for Oct. 22 to determine if Choi and Ji murder trial moves forward

Judge Steven Sanders set a preliminary hearing for Oct. 22 to determine if there is enough evidence to either move forward with a trial or dismiss the case. DNA evidence still not available.

SEE MORE TRIAL