A convicted felon accused of murdering a man in a confrontation in Highgrove will stand trial for murder and other offenses, according to a ruling by Superior Court Judge Charles Koosed. The suspect, Arnulfo Prado Jr., 35, of Riverside, was arrested last December after an investigation into the slaying of Julio Ortega of Jurupa Valley.
During a preliminary hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice on Thursday, Judge Koosed determined that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial. In addition to the murder charge, Prado will also face charges of evading arrest, as well as gun and great bodily injury allegations.
The arraignment is scheduled for January 4 at the downtown courthouse, with Prado currently held on $1 million bail at the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta. The incident occurred on December 3 at the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Spring Street, where Prado and Ortega were involved in a dispute.
According to sheriff’s Sgt. Steve Brosche, Prado pulled out a handgun during the confrontation and fatally shot Ortega before fleeing the scene. The motive behind the incident has not been disclosed. Deputies quickly identified Prado as the alleged assailant and initiated a search that concluded in San Jacinto, where the defendant was spotted driving before midnight.
When deputies attempted to apprehend Prado, he attempted to evade arrest but was captured in the 400 block of El Dorado Road without further incident. Thankfully, no one was injured during the pursuit. Court records indicate that Prado has a prior conviction for firearm assault and has served time in state prison.
The ruling by Judge Koosed allows for a full trial where further evidence can be presented and a final determination can be made. The case will continue to unfold, shedding light on the events leading up to the tragic confrontation in Highgrove.
