Preliminary Hearing Set For La Mesa Man Accused In Fatal Shooting

LA MESA, CA – A preliminary hearing is scheduled Tuesday for a man accused of shooting an acquaintance in the head during an argument outside the defendant's home in La Mesa last year.

Christopher James Artale, 41, is charged with murder and personal use of a firearm in the death of 35-year-old Aldo Prado.

Police said Artale was outside his home arguing with Prado about 4:45 p.m. last Oct. 1 in the 4400 block of Glen Street when Prado brandished a knife and began vandalizing Artale's vehicle.

Artale responded by producing a pistol and shooting Prado in the head, said police Lt. Chad Bell.

Officers arrived to find the wounded National City resident lying in the street and arrested Artale at his home. Prado died of his injuries two days later.

After a preliminary hearing, a judge will determine if enough evidence was presented for Artale to stand trial.

The defendant faces 35 years to life in prison if convicted, said Deputy District Attorney Valerie Ryan.

By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock