Crime & Safety

Temecula Murder Trial Sees Another Delay

Today's continuance was one of many in the case.

The trial of three San Diego men accused in the at a Temecula bar has been delayed again until Sept. 17.

Judge Angel M. Bermudez issued the new date today at the request of the defense, which was not opposed by DA's office. 

Matthew Alexis Basler and James Wing Fung, both 32, and Marvin Justin Black, 27, are charged in the Dec. 26, 2008, stabbing death of Chapman University student Ryan Joshua Armstrong, 22, and the attempted murder of his friend, Joel Ross, in an alley behind E.T.'s Bar in Temecula.

Find out what's happening in Temeculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Armstrong's father, Ron Armstrong, founded Cornerstone Community Church in Wildomar. 

Following a two-day preliminary hearing that began Dec. 12, Judge Freer ruled that a trial was warranted. A weapons allegation was added against all three defendants, who are also charged with assault with a deadly weapon to produce great bodily injury.

Find out what's happening in Temeculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Basler and Fung are additionally charged with trying to prevent a witness from testifying, and all three men have alleged prior strikes.

Today's continuance was one of many in the case.


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