San Diego

A 42-year-old man who was paroled in 1988 after he was convicted of murder in Texas was ordered Thursday to stand trial in San Diego in the slaying of an acquaintance last May.

Douglas Hines Jr. of Spring Valley is charged with murder in the May 1 killing of Nita Nevarez, 53, who was found stabbed to death in her Linda Vista home.

Special-circumstances allegations have been filed, which could result in Hines receiving the death penalty or a life term without parole if convicted. Hines’ conviction for murder of an elderly woman in Bear County, Tex., in 1974, is cited as grounds for a special-circumstances finding.

Special-circumstances allegations can be found true if someone is convicted of murder more than once. The other special-circumstances allegations state that Nevarez was killed during a robbery and burglary.

San Diego Municipal Judge Nicholas Kasimatis said he will schedule a trial at a hearing Sept. 18.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Rupert Linley said Hines was seen leaving the victim’s residence before her death was discovered. Items taken from her apartment were also found in Hines’ possession, wrapped in a sheet, Linley said.

“She was stabbed at least eight times around the face, neck, and upper chest,” Linley said.

The district attorney’s office will decide later whether to seek the death penalty or a life term without parole.

Hines remains in County Jail without bail.