The pretrial process of an accused murderer has been delayed for late next month per the request of the defendant.
At the Kings County Superior Courthouse, defendant Jose Paez, 36, requested an extension on his arraignment while his family arranges to hire an attorney. Madera lawyer Melina Benninghoff confirmed to the court via Zoom that the family of Mr. Paez was working to retain her services.
Paez asked for two months as they acquire the funds necessary, but Judge Barnes declined that amount of time, setting the new date for Aug. 24.
Paez also asked for more time at his first court appearance in the case on July 14.