Murder trial delayed

The trial of a Portales teen charged with murder last April has been postponed from Monday until September.

Erick Pina, 17, and two other men were arrested last year in connection with the shooting death of 25-year-old Jose Alfredo Charize Montoya of Portales.

Alberto Ramirez, 18, and Jorge Quinonez, 22, were also charged in the murder of Montoya.

Quinonez' trial is set for Oct. 1. Ramirez' trial date has not been set yet.

The three men were accused of going to Montoya's house to confront him and steal his vehicle. Police said that Pina shot the victim in the head with a stolen .45 caliber handgun.

Pina's defense attorney filed for a continuance last week stating he needed additional time to prepare for the trial, according to 9th Judicial District Attorney Matthew Chandler.

Chandler said the state opposed the continuance, arguing that there has been ample time to prepare for trial.

In addition to one open count of murder, Pina is charged with six felonies and two misdemeanors related to shooting.

Quinonez and Ramirez were charged with felony murder. Quinonez' trial is set for Oct. 1 and Ramirez' trial date has not been set yet.