Murder: Lindsay’s first homicide since 2003.
By Aaron Burgin, The Porterville Recorder

A preliminary hearing date for the man allegedly responsible for Lindsay’s first homicide since 2003 has been postponed, an attorney in the case said Wednesday.

Catalino Romero Carranza, 56, of Lindsay, was scheduled to be in court Thursday for a preliminary hearing, but the date was vacated. A preliminary hearing scheduling conference is now set for May 15, Deputy District Attorney Ralph Kaelble said. “His case was picked up by conflict counsel, so I think more time is just needed,” Kaelble said.

Carranza is accused of shooting Hermenegildo Pena, of Lindsay, March 18 in the backyard of the home of Margarita Miranda, Carranza’s girlfriend. Pena was visiting the son of Miranda, his ex-girlfriend. Pena, 43, died March 19 at Sierra View District Hospital from gunshot wounds to the neck and stomach he suffered in the shooting. Carranza and Miranda fled the scene, and law enforcement officials eventually tracked them down March 29 in Salem, Oregon.

Miranda, who was originally believed to be kidnapped by Carranza, is charged with being an accessory to the crime after the fact. Salem officials returned Carranza to Tulare County on April 26. Carranza faces first-degree murder charges, which carry a mandatory life sentence in prison if convicted.