NewsCrime

Actions

Armando Cruz hearing continued until Dec. 9, group motions to open trial to the public

Posted
and last updated

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Court proceedings for Armando Cruz, the man prosecutors said sexually assaulted and killed 13-year-old Patricia Alatorre, has been continued until December as the court hears a motion to open proceedings to the public.

Cruz was due in court Thursday for a motion to continue the preliminary hearing. A status hearing has been set for Dec. 9 and a preliminary hearing set for Dec. 11.

The First Amendment Coalition said they filed a motion, arguing that all pre-trial hearings be open to the public.

Cruz is facing charges of aggravated sexual assault and contacting a minor with intent to commit sexual assault.

Prosecutors say in July, Cruz, an Inglewood resident, took Alatorre from her neighborhood in South Bakersfield and drove to Inglewood where police said she was assaulted and killed.

Cruz was arrested in Los Angeles County and brought back to Bakersfield.

He has pleaded not guilty to that first-degree murder charge and all other felony charges.

Sign up for the Headline Newsletter and receive up to date information.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Thursday

10/16/2025

Clear

-° / 51°

7%

Friday

10/17/2025

Clear

77° / 56°

2%

Saturday

10/18/2025

Mostly Clear

83° / 56°

1%

Sunday

10/19/2025

Clear

83° / 57°

1%

Monday

10/20/2025

Clear

82° / 57°

1%

Tuesday

10/21/2025

Mostly Clear

79° / 57°

5%

Wednesday

10/22/2025

Clear

75° / 56°

3%

Thursday

10/23/2025

Clear

76° / 56°

2%