FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The murder case against accused killer Johnny Hines will now head to trial.

"There's probable cause to believe the defendant committed the offense charged in Count 1," Fresno County Superior Court Judge Brian Alvarez said on Thursday.

Judge Alvarez cleared the way for Hines to face a jury after Fresno Police Detective Allison Lopez said, under oath, that Hines admitted to kicking 66-year-old Frank Placencia outside the Fresno Mission in August 2023.

"He put on steel-toed boots because he felt like they'd have more of an effect," Lopez said.

Responding officer Jose Sanchez described a graphic scene.

"He was breathing, but, again, when I tried asking him questions, he wasn't responding to me," Sanchez said about the victim.

At least two witnesses saw the attac

See Full Page