Trial Date Set For Probationer Accused Of Killing Senior In Murrieta

MURRIETA, CA — A Feb. 20 trial date was confirmed Thursday for a probationer accused of killing a 71-year-old relative in Murrieta.

Jacob Aaron Lepe, 27, is charged with murder for the 2019 death of Vilma A. Lopez of Bell Gardens.

During a pretrial hearing at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta Thursday, Riverside County Superior Court Judge John Monterosso conferred with the prosecution and defense regarding scheduling, and both sides agreed to be prepared to move forward with trial proceedings at the end of February, barring any unforeseen challenges.

The case has been on the docket since the summer of 2019, delayed mainly due to the defense's efforts to have Lepe declared mentally incompetent. The defendant has undergone a series of psychiatric evaluations, and last year, he was deemed fit to stand trial.

Lepe is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Byrd Detention Center.

According to Murrieta police Lt. Mark Reid, a domestic squabble erupted at the defendant's family home in the 23000 block of Abury Avenue, just west of Interstate 15, on the afternoon of July 9, 2019.

The lieutenant alleged that Lepe was "being aggressive toward relatives," who feared for their safety, but no other details were provided.

Reid said one of the occupants left the property and called 911.

The police spokesman said that when patrol officers arrived, they found the defendant adjacent to the house, "covered in blood" and standing over Lopez, who is related to him, though the exact connection was not disclosed.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Reid alleged that Lepe refused officers' orders to drop to his knees and surrender peacefully, prompting them to deploy a Taser, after which he gave up.

He has a misdemeanor conviction from 2017 for driving under the influence of drugs, according to court records.

—City News Service