BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A preliminary hearing for a man charged with murder in the shooting death of a gay rights activist has been confirmed for Sept. 17.
The hearing — at which a judge will determine if there’s enough evidence for the case to proceed — is expected to last around four hours, attorneys said Monday.
Fredi Rivera, 28, is accused of killing Daniel Landeros, 43, in Yokuts Park on the night of Sept. 18.
Landeros and a male friend were walking through the park when a man approached and called Landeros a gay slur, according to the friend’s statement to police. Landeros, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, argued with the man while the friend waited near a park bench.
The friend told police he heard a single gunshot then saw Landeros stumble toward him. A dark-colored SUV sped away moments later.
Landeros was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police retrieved surveillance video of the vehicle and linked it to Rivera. He was on probation for grand theft at the time of the killing.