Three to stand trial for Pomona motel killing

POMONA -- A judge ruled today that three Pomona residents must stand trial for murder, attempted murder and robbery for their roles in a fatal shooting February at a Garey Avenue motel.

Following testimony Tuesday in Pomona Superior Court, Judge George Genesta ruled that Albert Martinez, 25, Florencio Reyes, 17, and Cesar Sierra, 31, must stand trial for the Feb. 28 shooting death of Nelssa Tovar, 31, of Montclair.

Prosecutors accuse the group of ambushing Tovar and Jorge Sandoval at a Motel 6 on Garey Avenue immediately north of the 60 Freeway.

Martinez and Reyes opened fire on Tovar and Sandoval with handguns, and Tovar was shot once in the upper body.

In addition to counts of murder, attempted murder and robbery, the defendants face allegations that they committed the crime to benefit a street gang.

The trio is set to return to court Aug. 4 for an arraignment hearing.

Martinez and Sierra remained jailed Tuesday. Information about whether Reyes is in custody was not available because he is a minor.

Incorrect arraignment date in original post corrected.