LAKEPORT — The jurors in the toddler-killing trial were released for the day without hearing any testimony Thursday, with the judge saying information that came to light “literally this morning” necessitated the delay.
Judge Doris L. Shockley did not specify the type of information but said it required investigation.
Testimony in the joint trial of Paul William Braden and Orlando Joseph Lopez Jr. began the last day of February, but the proceedings have been slowed for a number of reasons, including illnesses, court holidays and furloughs, and procedural delays.
Trial days in Lake County typically occur Wednesdays through Fridays.
Braden, 22, and Lopez, 24, pleaded not guilty to 15 felonies (including one murder count) and denied more than 30 special allegations in connection with a June 18 shooting in Clearlake.
Authorities allege the two Clearlake Oaks residents fired shotguns at a group of people gathered late that night, killing Skyler Rapp, 4, and injuring five others. The prosecution claims tensions rose between the defendants and the family of the toddler”s stepfather.
Braden and Lopez are standing trial in the same courtroom but have different attorneys and separate juries.
The latest delay stalled the impending testimony of Kevin Ray Stone, a former co-defendant who reached a plea agreement last fall.
Stone did not take the stand Thursday morning at the Lake County Courthouse, but Lake County District Attorney Don Anderson, who is prosecuting the case, indicated Stone would be the next witness.
Stone started to testify last week, but his testimony was interrupted after a few minutes because of a discovery issue.
Jurors will not return to court on Friday. The next trial day will be May 31.
