By Aaron Burgin, The Porterville Recorder
VISALIA - A Superior Court judge set Nov. 6 as the date two Porterville men will be tried for the July shooting death of Felix Platas.

Skyler Charlie and Joseph Sierra are accused of plotting to kill Platas, an alleged methamphetamine distributor, and committing the act during the early morning hours of July 12 in the 15400 block of Dogwood Avenue [DS], just west of the Porterville city limits.

The men are each charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit a crime, with a special allegation that the crime was committed to promote a criminal street gang [DS]. They face life in prison without the possibility of parole if a jury determines they committed the acts.

Both men appeared in Judge Darryl Ferguson's courtroom in red county jail jumpsuits. Ferguson granted the extended trial delay to give Charlie's new attorney, David Allen, an opportunity to acquaint himself with the case. Allen replaced Deputy Public Defender Roland Soltesz after Soltesz disclosed March 9 there was a conflict that would hinder him from representing Charlie. Allen said Thursday afternoon that he has read half of the police reports.

“There was no way in God's green Earth that I would be ready for trial,” Allen said. “After I finish my initial read, it will give me a chance for my investigators to get involved and see what we are dealing with.”

According to testimony at a January preliminary hearing, Sierra, who sold methamphetamine for Platas, planned to confront Platas because Platas had been making disparaging comments about him.

They met at the home of Alfredo Sanchez, who testified that Sierra and Platas got into a fight inside of Platas Ford Mustang. Platas then wildly drove his car in the direction of Charlie and a third man who has never been identified. Charlie allegedly shot Platas as the he drove toward him the final time. Platas' car wound up at the end of a dirt driveway in the back of the home.

Tulare County Sheriff's deputies originally believed they were investigating a traffic accident when they discovered Platas suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Platas died at the scene.

Prosecutor Nick Schuller and Allen said at this point they are preparing for a trial, and no deals have been discussed.

Contact Aaron Burgin at 784-5000, Ext. 1047, or aburgin@portervillerecorder.com.

This story was published in The Porterville Recorder on March 30, 2007