Preliminary Hearing Delayed 45 Days in Murder Case of Hemet Teen T'Neya Tovar

New developments unfolded today in the murder case of 17-year-old Hemet resident T'Neya Tovar as a judge granted a 45-day extension in the preliminary hearing for the man accused in her death.

The hearing took place at the Imperial County Superior Court, where 51-year-old Abraham Feinbloom of Salton City faces a murder charge with a firearm enhancement in connection to T'Neya Tovar’s death.

During today’s proceedings, Feinbloom appeared in court in handcuffs alongside his newly appointed defense attorney, Melanie Roe. Roe previously represented Feinbloom in a 2019 kidnapping case. The charges in that case were eventually dismissed against Feinbloom.

Roe successfully filed a motion moments before the hearing to prohibit cameras from recording inside the courtroom. She argued that media coverage and social media attention surrounding the case could interfere with her client’s right to a fair trial. She also raised the possibility of requesting a change of venue if publicity is deemed prejudicial.

The judge granted Roe’s request for a 45-day continuance to allow her time to review hundreds of pages of discovery materials, including body camera footage and other evidence gathered by prosecutors. The preliminary hearing is now scheduled for April 13th at 8:30 a.m.

Roe also asked the court to sign a request that would order the Imperial County Sheriff's Department to allow electronic devices during visits inside the jail while meeting with Feinbloom. She also asked the court to sign a request that would order the Imperial County Sheriff's Department to allow Feinbloom to carry paperwork in and outside of the jail and provide him a space to keep the paperwork without any inmates or officers' access. Both were denied by the judge as she required a motion from the Imperial County Sheriff's Department to sign the order.

T'Neya Tovar was reported missing on December 1st, 2025. Her remains were later discovered in Salton City, less than a mile from Feinbloom’s residence.

Inside the courtroom was T'Neya Tovar’s family, including her father, Joshua Carter, who has attended multiple hearings in pursuit of justice for his daughter. Carter described the process as lengthy but said his family remains focused on seeing the case through to a conviction.

While proceedings continue, T'Neya Tovar’s loved ones are organizing vigils to honor her memory. One vigil is planned this Saturday February 28th in Murrieta, with another scheduled in Los Angeles for March 7th.

The case remains ongoing, and further updates are expected as the new preliminary hearing date approaches.