Hearing set in killing of popular Manhattan Beach bartender
By Mike Cruz
Posted: 01/26/2010 04:21:03 PM PST
A Redondo Beach man who is suspected of killing and then dumping the body of Manhattan Beach bartender Cori Desmond on a snowy roadside near Running Springs will hear some of the evidence against him later this week.
Lawyers in the case of Tony Lopez Perez announced today in San Bernardino Superior Court that they were ready for a preliminary hearing Thursday.
At a preliminary hearing, a Superior Court judge will listen to witness testimony and determine whether sufficient evidence exists to hold over the defendant for trial on the charges.
Perez, who has no record of violent crimes, is charged with one count of murder. He pleaded not guilty at an arraignment Oct. 13.
Desmond, 28, of Torrance, was last seen alive Feb. 15 at the Bac Street Lounge in Redondo Beach. An ATM camera later captured her image walking from her car to a bar to use the restroom, but she was turned away.
A motorist found Desmond's body, which had been stuffed in a bag, the following day on the west side of Highway 330.
Perez's motive was that of "a sexual nature," say sheriff's detectives. Physical evidence was found inside a white Dodge Durango belonging to Perez before he sold it to a dealership, they said.
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