Murder suspect to face trial

BRAWLEY — The man charged with murder in the Nov. 24 stabbing death of Ivan Bravo Saldana, 29, in El Centro was bound over for trial here Tuesday at a Superior Court hearing, Deputy District Attorney Mario Vela said.

Angel Jesus Beltran, 27 at the time of the incident, has pleaded not guilty and remains in the county jail on $1 million bail. He has an arraignment scheduled for June 6.

Following testimony at a preliminary hearing, Superior Court Judge Monica Lepe-Negrete found there was sufficient evidence to try Beltran on a charge of premeditated first-degree murder, Vela said. It carries a potential sentence of 25 years to life.

The use of a knife in the killing is also alleged, Vela added, an enhancement that could result in additional incarceration should Beltran be convicted.

According to El Centro Police, witnesses reported seeing Beltran enter and leave Saldana’s residence in the 100 block of Orange Avenue around the time a woman called police to report a stabbing there. Beltran was arrested at his nearby residence a short time later.

Saldana died a short time later at El Centro Regional Medical Center

Vela said members of Saldana’s family in the residence at the time of the stabbing stated Beltran arrived there, entered and had a brief encounter with Saldana. Saldana was then heard to groan and was found stabbed.

Police officers testified clothing and a knife, both blood-stained, were found in Beltran’s nearby residence and that Beltran had blood on him when he was arrested, Vela added.

Saldana suffered four stab wounds, as well as several slashes consistent with being defensive injuries, Vela said.