Jeremy Walsh — Staff reporter
LAKEPORT — The second-degree murder trial of Alejandro Aurelio Arias appears ready to begin in early October after a judge confirmed the start date during a trial readiness conference Monday afternoon.
Arias, 30, remains in custody at the Lake County Jail and faces four felony charges, including second-degree murder and reckless driving causing injury, for allegedly causing the September 2009 car crash that killed Charlane Hill, 41.
Authorities allege that Arias drove through a red light at the intersection of highways 29 and 175 in Lakeport and crashed into another car, killing the driver and severely injuring two of her three passengers.
Arias, who also reportedly spent time in the hospital after the incident, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Judge Robert L. Crone, Jr. Monday confirmed the trial date of Oct. 5. A trial courtroom will be determined during an assignment hearing on Sept. 30.
Contact Jeremy Walsh at jwalsh@record-bee.com or call him at 263-5636, ext. 37.
