The man charged in the beating death of former Yachats resident Martin Baker is still in a San Diego County jail, still awaiting a preliminary hearing on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon.
Eugene Focarelli, 37, is being held on $200,200 bail in the February assault against Baker, a formerly homeless man who found shelter and friendship through Yachats Community Presbyterian Church. Baker died a few days after the attack, which occurred in his hometown of Borrego Springs, Calif.
Focarelli was scheduled for a preliminary hearing June 16, but the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office said the hearing has been postponed to Aug. 24. In a preliminary hearing, the DA’s office tries to convince a judge there is probable cause to believe a felony was committed. If the judge agrees, Focarelli will be bound over for trial.
