A San Luis Obispo County judge has ruled that hate crime allegations will remain part of the case against a defendant accused of murdering an Atascadero man in 2026. The decision, handed down in San Luis Obispo Superior Court, allows prosecutors to pursue enhanced charges that could lead to a longer sentence if the defendant is convicted.
The case stems from the death of a 62-year-old Atascadero resident, whose body was discovered in his home on June 15, 2026. Authorities allege that the murder was motivated by the victim's race and sexual orientation, citing evidence including derogatory statements made by the suspect prior to the killing.
The defendant, a 34-year-old man from Paso Robles, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and the special hate crime enhancement.
During the hearing, defense attorneys argued that the hate crime allegations should be dropped, claiming there was insufficient evidence to prove bias as a motivating factor. However, Judge Maria Hernandez disagreed, finding that the prosecution had presented enough preliminary evidence to justify keeping the allegations.
The judge noted that the alleged statements and circumstances surrounding the murder provided a reasonable basis for the hate crime enhancement.
Prosecutors have indicated they will present additional evidence at trial, including text messages and witness testimony, to support the hate crime claims. The victim, identified as John Martinez, was a well-known member of the local LGBTQ+ community and had been involved in advocacy work in Atascadero.
Friends and family have expressed relief at the judge's ruling, stating that it validates the nature of the crime.
The defendant remains in custody without bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 2027, where a trial date is expected to be set.
If convicted of first-degree murder with the hate crime enhancement, the defendant faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.