LAKEPORT — The dual-jury murder trial of two Clearlake Oaks men charged with killing a toddler last spring will not be in session this week because one of the defense attorneys is sick.
Paul William Braden, 21, and Orlando Joseph Lopez Jr., 24, face a total of 15 felonies — including one murder count and five counts of attempted murder — in connection with a June 18 shooting in Clearlake.
Authorities allege the two men shot into a crowd of people gathered at a barbecue party, killing Skyler Rapp, 4, and injuring five others.
Braden and Lopez pleaded not guilty to all felonies and denied dozens of special allegations.
Both men are standing trial in the same courtroom but have different attorneys and separate juries.
Testimony began in their trial Wednesday but was delayed Thursday because Lopez”s lawyer, Stephen Carter, was sick.
The court learned Monday that Carter would also be unavailable this week and postponed all proceedings, according to Lake County District Attorney Don Anderson and Braden”s lawyer, Doug Rhoades.
The trial was officially continued to the morning March 14, according to court records.
Contact Jeremy Walsh at jwalsh@record-bee.com or call him at 263-5636, ext. 37.
