Two young men accused of gunning down a 17-year-old boy during a confrontation in La Quinta must stand trial on first-degree murder and other charges, a judge ruled Monday.

Elijah Alfredo Martinez of Bermuda Dunes and Dominick Cruz Venecia of Coachella — both 19 — allegedly killed the victim, identified in court documents only as “J.R.,” last year.

Following a preliminary hearing at the Larson Justice Center Monday, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Arthur Hester found there was sufficient evidence to bound both defendants over for trial on the murder count and sentence-enhancing gun use allegations.

The judge scheduled a post-preliminary hearing arraignment for Aug. 27 at the Indio courthouse.

Hester permitted the pair to remain free on bond pending further proceedings.

According

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