Public Safety
Man Accused in Armed Jewelry Store Robbery to Stand Trial on Felony Charges
INDIO (CNS) – A Compton man accused in an armed robbery last year at a Palm Desert jewelry store was ordered Tuesday to stand trial on felony charges.
Joshua King, 27, is accused with Colton resident Demetrius Thornton, 23, and Karina Ortega, 22, of Tracy, of robbing a jewelry store owner June 28, 2022, according to Sgt. Daniel Milbrandt of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
The trio were each charged with two felony counts, one each of robbery and assault with a hammer to cause great bodily harm, according to court records. King was additionally charged with one felony count of being a convicted felon and narcotic addict in possession of a firearm.
San Pedro resident Rayjon Thorton, 26, pleaded guilty Jan. 25 to the robbery charge and to being a convicted felon and narcotic addict in possession of a firearm, according to court records. The assault with a hammer charge was dismissed and he was immediately sentenced to eight years and four months in prison.
During a preliminary hearing Tuesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, Deputy District Attorney Sanja Stark said King was picked up from Long Beach the day of the robbery and went to the jewelry store in the 73200 block of Highway 111 with the other defendants.
Stark alleged that the three male defendants entered the jewelry store, smashed the display cases and took pieces of jewelry while King pointed a firearm, and that at some point, the jewelry store owner was struck on the head with a hammer by another defendant.
Riverside County Superior Court Judge Dean Benjamini ruled that there was not enough evidence to warrant a trial for King on the charge of assault with a hammer.
“I think if he knew he was using the hammer, it was to smash cases … not to aid and abet the use of the hammer against the head,” Benjamini said.
But the judge said trial was warranted on an additional charge of assault with a firearm, along with the original counts of robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm. A post-preliminary hearing arraignment was set for Feb. 22.
Ortega is set to be make her first court appearance at the Larson Justice Center in Indio March 3 and Thornton is at large, the subject of a $50,000 bench warrant for his arrest, according to court records.
Rayjon Thorton was arrested Aug. 9 in Commerce and Demetrius Thornton was originally arrested in Adelanto, Mildrandt said. King was arrested Jan. 4 in Compton.
King remains held without bail at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta, according to inmate records.
None of the defendants have any listed felony convictions in Riverside County.
Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.
By: Pristine Villarreal
February 7, 2023
Latest Instagram Posts
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason
It’s more than just dancing — it’s fitness, confidence and community. A Coachella Valley dance studio is helping adults move their bodies, have fun and step into their power, one class at a time. And during Beyoncé’s birthday week, the energy was turned all the way up. “When in doubt, twerk it out.” See how VXN Worldwide Dance Company is getting the Valley moving — and building confidence along the way. Read more at NBCPalmSprings.com. #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Dance #Fitness #Community NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What are you going to be for Halloween? 🎃