Man accused of killing Holtville man appears in court

The man arrested for the murder of a Holtville resident made a court appearance, Wednesday.

Adrian Alvarado Lopez is accused of killing Steven Garibaldi, just days before Christmas on December 21, 2018.

The night of the murder, officers with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office said they found Garibaldi’s body with a gunshot wound to the head.

Lopez was arrested for the murder several days later.

“Mr. Lopez is pleading not guilty to murder,” said Sid Hester, Imperial County District Attorney’s Office Senior Deputy.

One of Lopez’s attorneys was unable to make the appearance.

“She requested the preliminary hearing be continued to another date, so she can be present with her client,” said Hester.

Judge William Quan granted her request.

According to ICSO, Lopez is also alleged to have had an accessory, identified as Jessica Michelle Carrion.

She’s facing accessory charges in connection to the murder.

She was not present in court, but her attorney was there on her behalf.

“The preliminary hearing was continued to October 7, it’s probable cause determination. To determine whether there are sufficient facts to hold the defendant to the crimes that he is charged for,” said Hester.

Garibaldi had loved ones present in the courtroom who were wearing shirts in his remembrance.

They did not wish to speak to us regarding this case.

We also reached out to the defendant’s attorney, he said he would not comment on the case at this time. Both parties are expected back in court on October 7, 2019.