Suspect in Grocer’s Killing to Stand Trial
An Ojai man accused of gunning down a Ventura grocery clerk during an April robbery attempt was ordered Wednesday to stand trial on one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder and nearly a dozen related charges.
Richard Geise, 32, could face the death penalty if convicted of fatally shooting 35-year-old Alejandro Alvarez inside Central Market on Ventura Avenue.
Alvarez and two co-workers were shot April 6 during a midday robbery attempt.
During a preliminary hearing this week, the co-workers, who recovered from their injuries, testified that two gunmen wearing gas masks demanded money and began shooting.
Police linked the crime to Geise and his cousin, Alfonso Delgado, who was killed by police during a May shooting.
Geise is scheduled to appear for arraignment Dec. 13.
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