LAKEPORT — The dual-jury murder trial of two Clearlake Oaks men accused of killing a toddler last spring appears ready to continue this week after one defense attorney reported recovering from his illness.
Paul William Braden, 21, and Orlando Joseph Lopez Jr., 24, have pleaded not guilty to 15 felonies and have denied nearly three dozen special allegations in connection with a June 18 shooting in Clearlake.
Authorities allege the two men shot into a crowd of people gathered at a party, killing Skyler Rapp, 4, and injuring five others.
Braden and Lopez are standing trial in the same courtroom but have different attorneys and separate juries.
Testimony began in their trial Feb. 29 but was called off the next day because Lopez”s lawyer, Stephen Carter, was sick. The court canceled the proceedings last week for the same reason.
Carter, who was back at the Lake County Courthouse Monday morning handling other matters, said he regained his health after battling an influenza strain for 11 days.
Carter said he anticipates the trial reconvening Wednesday at 9 a.m. in Department 1.
Contact Jeremy Walsh at jwalsh@record-bee.com or call him at 263-5636, ext. 37.
