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.