Murrieta Killing: Accused Ordered To Stand Trial For Murder

MURRIETA, CA — A probationer accused of killing a 71-year-old relative in Murrieta must stand trial on a murder charge, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Jacob Aaron Lepe, 23, is charged with the July 9, 2019, death of Vilma A. Lopez of Bell Gardens.

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Stephen Gallon found there was sufficient evidence presented at the defendant's prelimiary hearing at the Southwest Justice Center to warrant a trial on the murder count, as well as a sentence-enhancing allegation of using a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony.

The judge scheduled a post-preliminary hearing arraignment for March 5 and left Lepe's bail at $1 million. He's being held at the Byrd Detention Center.

According to Murrieta police Lt. Mark Reid, a domestic squabble erupted at the defendant's family home in the 23000 block of Abury Avenue, just west of Interstate 15. Reid said one of the occupants left the property and called 911.

The lieutenant alleged that Lepe was "being aggressive toward relatives," who feared for their safety, but no other details were provided. When patrol officers arrived, they found the defendant adjacent to the house, "covered in blood" and standing over Lopez, who is related to him, though the exact connection was not disclosed, Reid said.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Reid alleged that Lepe refused officers' orders to drop to his knees and surrender peacefully, prompting them to deploy a Taser, after which he gave up.

He has a misdemeanor conviction from 2017 for driving under the influence of drugs, according to court records.