A HISTORY OF THE KRAFT CASE

Here is a chronology of the Randy Steven Kraft serial-murder case, from his arrest nearly four years ago to the scheduling of his trial in July.

May 14, 1983--Kraft arrested on San Diego Freeway in Mission Viejo.

May 17, 1983--Kraft charged with murder of Terry Lee Gambrel; Central Municipal Judge Robert E. Thomas postpones arraignment to May 24, 1983.

May 24, 1983--Kraft’s Municipal Court arraignment continued to June 17, 1983, by Judge Thomas, after four more murder charges are filed.

June 17, 1983--Another murder charge is filed; Judge Thomas postpones arraignment to Aug. 12, 1983.

Aug. 12, 1983--Kraft pleads not guilty to the six murders, and a Sept. 12, 1983 preliminary hearing date is set by Central Municipal Judge John J. Ryan.

Sept. 12, 1983--Ten new murder charges are filed, making the total 16, and Kraft pleads not guilty. Judge Ryan reschedules the preliminary hearing for Sept. 26, 1983.

Sept. 26, 1983--Preliminary hearing begins before Judge Ryan.

Nov. 18, 1983--Preliminary hearing ends. Judge Ryan orders Kraft to stand trial on all 16 murders. The judge sets Superior Court arraignment for Kraft for Dec. 1, 1983.

Dec. 1, 1983--Arraignment postponed to Dec. 14, 1983, by Superior Court Judge Luis A. Cardenas.

Dec. 14, 1983--Kraft pleads not guilty to the 16 murders and a trial date of Feb. 6, 1984, is set by Judge Cardenas.

Dec. 16, 1983--The case is assigned to Superior Court Judge Robert R. Fitzgerald for trial. Defense objects, and it is reassigned to Superior Court Judge James K. Turner. Prosecutors file written notice that they intend to prove during the penalty phase of Kraft’s trial that he murdered an additional 20 people.

Jan. 20, 1984--Judge Turner sets new trial date of May 14, 1984, at defense request.

March 9, 1984--Judge Turner sets new trial date of Aug. 13, 1984, at defense request.

June 19, 1984--Judge Turner sets new trial date of Dec. 3, 1984, at defense request.

Aug. 6, 1984--At Kraft’s request, attorney Doug Otto is relieved as his attorney. Co-counsel James G. Merwin remains.

Aug. 7, 1984--Chief Deputy Public Defender C. Thomas McDonald resigns to become co-counsel with Merwin on the Kraft case.

Nov. 5, 1984--Judge Turner sets new trial date of June 17, 1985, at defense request.

March 21, 1985--Judge Turner sets new trial date of Dec. 2, 1985, at defense request.

Aug. 30, 1985--Prosecutors file an amended complaint to add a 21st murder accusation for purposes of the penalty phase of Kraft’s trial.

May 2, 1985--Deputy Public Defender William J. Kopeny resigns to join the Kraft defense team.

Oct. 14, 1985--Judge Turner sets new trial date of June 30, 1986, at defense request.

May 1, 1986--Judge Cardenas sets new trial date of Jan. 12, 1987, at defense request.

Jan. 14, 1987--After four-day hearing, Cardenas sets new trial date of July 6, 1987, at defense request.