UPDATE: Arraignment Delayed Third Time For PD Man Accused In Deadly Shooting

(UPDATED at 11 a.m. Friday, April 22)

Arraignment was delayed today for a Palm Desert man accused of fatally shooting a 24-year-old man and his 2-year-old daughter and wounding the child's grandmother.

Juan Carlos Alcala, 42, faces two counts of first-degree murder and a count of attempted murder in the April 8 deaths of Felipe Lozano and his daughter, Doria Lozano-Reynoso. Afra Lozano, the girl's grandmother, was shot twice in the leg.

Alcala also faces a special circumstance allegation of committing a felony with multiple victims.

If convicted of the special circumstance allegation, he could face the death penalty. Prosecutors will make a decision on whether to pursue capital punishment within the next three months, according to Deputy District Attorney Otis Sterling.

Alcala, who had a Spanish interpreter, appeared in court today for his arraignment, which was delayed until May 20.

His attorney, O.G. Magno of the Riverside County Capital Defense Team, said he needed more time.

“We could not make an informed decision regarding the arraignment and need more information to make an informed plea,’’ Magno said, adding that he expects the arraignment to go forward at that time.

Alcala’s arraignment had already been postponed two times.

The shooting at the Hovely Gardens condominiums in Palm Desert appears to have been unprovoked, according to investigators.

The day before the shooting, Alcala allegedly threatened to kill Felipe Lozano over a dispute involving the victim's truck, according to family members.

Alcala allegedly opened fire on Lozano and his daughter as they were returning from the Palm Desert Soccer Park. Lozano died protecting his daughter, according to his brother, Fabian Lozano.

The defendant is being held without bail at the Indio Jail.