A judge in San Luis Obispo County has upheld hate crime allegations in the murder of an Atascadero man. - The victim was 62-year-old John Martinez, found dead in his home in June 2026.
- The defendant, a 34-year-old from Paso Robles, is charged with first-degree murder with a hate crime enhancement. - The judge found sufficient evidence of bias, including derogatory statements, to keep the allegations.
- The ruling allows prosecutors to pursue a longer sentence if the defendant is convicted. The next hearing is set for March 2027.