A Jan. 10 trial date was scheduled today for a 23-year-old probationer accused of fatally beating a Riverside senior after breaking into her home.
Sixto Jesus Garcia Pena of Palm Springs was arrested in 2021 following a Riverside Police Department investigation into the slaying of 78-year-old Denise Irene Wong.
Pena is charged with first-degree murder, as well as special-circumstance allegations of killing in the commission of a robbery, killing in the commission of a burglary and inflicting torture.
Prosecutors intend to seek capital punishment if the defendant is convicted.
During a status hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice Friday, Superior Court Judge Matthew Perantoni conferred with the prosecution and defense regarding future proceedings, and both sides agreed to be prepared to move forward with trial at the beginning of next year.
An intervening hearing is set for Oct. 25 to confirm everything is on track.
Pena is being held without bail at the Robert Presley Detention Center.