Crime & Safety

Psychologist Appointed In Deadly Palm Desert Shooting Case

Juan Carlos Alcala's arraignment was put off until July 15 at the request of the defense.

A psychologist was appointed today to examine a Palm Desert man accused of fatally shooting a father and his young daughter.

Juan Carlos Alcala, 43, faces two counts of first-degree murder and a count of attempted murder in the April 8 shooting of Felipe Lozano, 24, and his daughter, Doria Lozano-Reynoso. The girl's grandmother, Afra Lozano, 43, was wounded in the attack in her apartment at 74-501 42nd Ave. in Palm Desert.

Riverside County Superior Court Judge William S. Lebov appointed psychologist Michael Kania at the request of Alcala's attorney O.G. Magno of the Riverside Capital Defense Team.

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The report will likely help Magno determine what route to take in the case.

Alcala's arraignment was postponed until July 15, the same day the psychologist's report is due in court. Deputy District Attorney Manny Bustamante agreed to the delay.

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This was the fourth time Alcala's arraignment has been postponed.

Alcala also is charged with a special circumstance allegation of committing multiple murders that could make him eligible for the death penalty.

Prosecutors will make a decision in the coming months on whether to pursue capital punishment or life in prison without parole.

Alcala is being held without bail at the Indio Jail.


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