CLEARLAKE — A preliminary hearing for a man accused of murder and assault with a deadly weapon will occur next month.
Wilbur H. Cope will return to court for a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, before Judge Richard Martin in Lake County Superior Court, Dept. 2.
Cope is being charged with murder and the use of a firearm for the shooting death of Kristin Lori Raviotta on early Sept. 10.
He additionally faces three counts of attempted murder with the use of a firearm in the shooting of Terry Cain, Michele Cain and Sharon England. One of the counts includes an allegation for assault resulting in great bodily injury.
At his Sept. 12 arraignment Cope entered pleas of not guilty to all of the charges against him.
Deputy District Attorney John Langan, who is prosecuting the case, reported that Cope was in court on Friday, at which time the hearing date was set.
“We”re still waiting for several reports from the Department of Justice,” Langan said, adding that the DA”s Office hopes to have all materials to give to the defense before the Oct. 20 hearing date. Attorney Bruce Laning will represent Cope.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
