Appeal of decision moving 2021 murder case to adult court remains pending

Jason Kotowski
·1 min read

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A judge’s ruling that sent a 2021 murder case from juvenile to adult court remains under appeal, and proceedings will stay suspended until a decision is made affirming or reversing the decision.

Riding on the outcome is the potential penalty accused killer Sonny Veleta faces if convicted. If found guilty as a juvenile, Veleta can only be held until he turns 25; a murder conviction in adult court would result in a life term behind bars.

RELATED: Murder suspect Veleta has arraignment postponed until appeal heard

A status conference scheduled Monday in juvenile court was postponed to July, according to prosecutors.

Veleta was 16 when arrested in the Aug. 12, 2021, shooting of Cesar Joseph Malta in East Bakersfield.

Earlier this year, a transfer hearing was held at which a judge considered factors including Veleta’s criminal sophistication, prior criminal history and the seriousness of the crime before issuing a ruling sending the case to adult court.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.