The Hollister man suspected of killing 25-year-old Heather Carroll had a preliminary hearing scheduled for early March.
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.
Quiroz, who has pleaded not guilty to the crime, is facing charges on suspicion of homicide and kidnapping for ransom.
At a Thursday preliminary setting, Quiroz had a preliminary hearing – where a judge would decide if there is enough evidence for a trial – scheduled for 8:30 a.m. March 4 at the San Benito County Courthouse. He also has a confirmation hearing set for 2 p.m. Feb. 21.
Quiroz is represented by public defender Gregory LaForge, who has challenged the admission given by Quiroz at the scene where authorities found the body.
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.
