South East High Stabbing Case Delayed Again, Defendant Changes Counsel

Abraham López, who stands accused of stabbing and killing Cindi Santana, 17, his alleged ex-girlfriend, at South East High School in South Gate on September 2011, will have another pre-trial hearing May 31st.

In November, the prosecution and defense told Patch that the trial had a strong possibility of starting in February.  However,both sides also warned that murder cases are prone to delays, because of evidence gathering.

López, who was 18 at the time of the incident, is facing several charges, among them murder.

Last May, López pleaded not guilty. 

Courtroom staff at the Norwalk Courthouse where the case is being heard told Patch that the delay was not surprising considering that the defendant changed his legal representation.

Nicholas Rosenberg, a private Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, is now representing López and not Scott Herin, a Los Angeles County Deputy Public Defender, said courtroom staff. 

Keep up with South Gate Patch Latino by subscribing to breaking news alerts, liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. Have an event or announcement you'd like to publicize? Submit them for free.