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Manuel Vela appears in court for double murder, other charges

Posted at 4:24 PM, Dec 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-21 20:35:07-05

Manuel Vela was in court Wednesday for an arraignment. There was no plea deal and a doctor was assigned to the case.

Vela confessed to murdering his girlfriend and unborn child after leading police on a pursuit. His girlfriend, Katrina Rivera, had gone missing days before.

RELATED: Infant and mother dead after East Bakersfield pursuit, boyfriend Manuel Vela in police custody

Vela has been charged with two counts of first degree murder, recklessly evading a peace officer, and resisting an executive officer.

Vela will be back in court on January 20 for a competency hearing. He is being held on no bail.

RELATED: Disturbing new details in double murder, reports say Vela held baby out window during chase