Trial date set for May

A trial date has been set for one of two Portales brothers accused in the April slaying of 19-year-old Amber Robinson.

Richard Baca, 18, will go to trial May 16-25, on charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence, senior prosecutor Donna Mowrer said.

Clifford Baca, 20, also appeared Thursday before 9th Judicial District Judge Stephen Quinn on charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. His trial was set for May 26.

A pre-trial hearing for Clifford Baca will be held March 14 on charges of first-degree murder and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Robinson’s mother, Joann Martinez, and stepfather, Daniel Raymond Pena Sr., sat within five feet of Clifford Baca in the front row of the courtroom during the pre-trials.

Clifford Baca is being held on a $150,000 cash-only bond in the Roosevelt County Detention Center. Richard Baca is being held at the RCDC under a $300,00 cash-only bond.