CA, US & World
Preliminary Hearing Set inT'Neya Tovar Case as Defense Challenges Evidence
A major development in the case of 17-year-old T'Neya Tovar, as a preliminary hearing and trial setting date has now been scheduled for April 28th.
The 51-year-old Salton City man accused in her murder appeared in court for the third time at the Imperial County Criminal Courthouse, where new details emerged about the evidence in the case.
According to the defense, questions remain about the strength of that evidence. Defense attorney Melanie Rowe says she has reviewed more than 20 packets of discovery and argues that key forensic findings raise uncertainty.
Among those concerns, the defense says there is no conclusive evidence of human blood found in the suspect’s home or vehicles. Investigators also reportedly did not recover the rest of Tovar’s remains from the property.
Forensic experts have also been unable to determine a clear cause of death. While one expert noted a gunshot wound to the leg, they say it does not explain how Tovar died. There are also conflicting timelines, with estimates of her death ranging from early to mid-December.
The defense maintains that the case lacks the evidence needed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Meanwhile, Tovar’s family continues to attend court proceedings, seeking answers and accountability. Her father says the process has been difficult, but they are taking it one step at a time.
Officials with the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Department were present in court but declined to comment.
The case now moves forward with the next key hearing set for April 28th.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
April 12, 2026
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