The Hollister man suspected of murdering 25-year-old Heather Carroll is set for his next court hearing Nov. 15, according to court records.
David J. Quiroz, 33, is suspected in the killing of Carroll, who went missing Oct. 10 after dropping off her 5-year-old boy at Ladd Lane Elementary School. Two days later, police held a standoff with Quiroz at his home on Cerra Vista Drive before he surrendered and took them to Carroll’s body on the property, according to investigators.
Quiroz, who has pleaded not guilty to the crime, is facing charges on suspicion of homicide and kidnapping for ransom.
Quiroz’s next hearing, a preliminary setting where a judge could schedule a preliminary hearing – where it could be decided if there is enough evidence for a trial – is set for 2 p.m. Nov. 15 in room 101 of the San Benito County Courthouse before Judge Steven Sanders.
Quiroz is represented by public defender Gregory LaForge, who has challenged the admission given by Quiroz at the scene.
Quiroz told investigators shortly after his arrest that he had started an argument between the two. Authorities had Quiroz in custody at about 3 a.m. after the overnight standoff. Police allege that Quiroz admitted to the killing and took authorities to her body, recovered at about 5:30 a.m.
