Prelim hearing reset for Fairfield man charged with teen’s 2019 murder

A Solano County Superior Court judge who in July reinstated criminal proceedings against a 24-year- old Fairfield man accused of killing a teenager 15 months ago in Fairfield has rescheduled a January preliminary hearing in the case.

Deemed mentally competent to stand trial, Michael Ruben Russo will return to Department 9 at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 11 for the hearing in the Justice Center in Fairfield. At the preliminary hearing, Judge Carlos R. Gutierrez will see and hear testimony and evidence and decide whether to hold Russo for trial. (Russo had previously been scheduled for the hearing on Jan. 26.)

Court records appear to indicate that Gutierrez found Russo mentally incompetent to stand trial and, on Jan. 15, 2020, ordered him evaluated by the county’s Department of Mental Health.

The defendant was eventually placed with MHM Services Inc., a provider of mental health services to state and local government agencies, with offices in Vallejo. On April 10, the judge signed an order to compel involuntary treatment with anti-psychotic medication.

Since then, Gutierrez has heard a report from a psychologist or psychiatrist to determine if Russo is capable of understanding court proceedings, the charge against him, and can help his attorney with his defense.

Court records indicate that, on July 9, Gutierrez reinstated criminal proceedings against Russo, meaning the defendant would face a preliminary hearing and likely a jury trial.

Russo is represented by Fairfield criminal defense attorney Thomas Maas. Deputy District Attorney Eric Charm has led the prosecution during previous court appearances.

Russo has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. He is suspected of fatally shooting Florentino Barron, 18, at about 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 in the 1600 block of Clay Street.

Responding Fairfield police officers found Barron in the front yard of a residence. After receiving medical aid, he was taken by ambulance to a local trauma center, where he died.

Witnesses gave officers a detailed description of the suspect, which helped police in finding Russo and taking him into custody.

The investigation showed the shooting was not a random act, police officials said in a prepared statement. The victim and suspect knew each other, and there are no other suspects.

The firearm used in the shooting was recovered.

Court records indicate the Solano County District Attorney’s Office filed the criminal complaint on Oct. 1, 2019.

If found guilty at trial of first-degree murder, Russo faces 25 years to life in state prison.