Murder trial after fatal crash on Panama Lane moved to March

On November 9, 2024By Pranco

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The trial date for a man charged with murder and driving under the influence in connection with an August 2023 crash has been postponed until March.

Attorneys agreed during a hearing Friday in Superior Court to a new trial date of March 3 for Jose Torres, who remains held without bail.

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Torres, 52, allegedly drank and got behind the wheel before running a red light at the intersection of Panama Lane and Akers Road on the night of August 6, 2023. His vehicle collided with another vehicle, killing the driver.

Torres admitted to drinking and his blood alcohol level was 0.11%, police said in reports filed in Superior Court.

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Police reviewed Torres’ file and learned that he was arrested in 2005 on suspicion of driving under the influence. He didn’t go to court until 2018, when he entered a no contest plea, according to the documents.

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