Trial Begins For Trio Accused Of Killing Riverside Man In Garage
RIVERSIDE (CBS) — Lawyers for a trio accused of beating and fatally shooting a Riverside man began arguing motions Tuesday regarding witnesses and evidence ahead of jury selection in the case.
The accused, identified as 42-year-old Manuel Rene Acosta, 41-year-old Donavan Lee Avila and Steven Blodgett Windust, 25, could face life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder in the Oct. 3, 2008 death of 25-year-old Doug Didominicus.
Didominicus' body was discovered less than a week after he had been killed. It had been dumped north of Interstate 215 near Box Springs Canyon, according to prosecutors.
Attorneys for the men and Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Michelle Paradise informed Superior Court Judge Roger Luebs on Tuesday that they were ready for trial, prompting Luebs to assign the case to a courtroom at the Riverside Hall of Justice.
The defendants are being held without bail at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside. They face additional charges of robbery and burglary.
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