Murder trial moves forward- Suspects accused of murder, arraignment scheduled
Monday morning Superior Court Judge Hector M. Guzman ruled that there was enough evidence to send Francisco “Frank” Cobarruvias Jr, 35, and Rene Anthony Avina, 23 to trial on suspicion of murder in the case of Pats II Cocktails bartender Terie Colecchi’s early morning beating. The judge watched three surveillance videos taken during the time of the beating. According to Christopher Glew, Avina’s attorney, the videos show Colecchi attacking Cobarruvias and Cobarruvias defending himself as well as Avina. “We’re maintaining [that] my client acted in defense of another,” said Glew. “I feel he will be vindicated at the end of the case.” An employee at Pats II Cocktails at 1312 S. Pacific Coast Highway was killed around 1:47 a.m. Photo . Cobarruvias’ attorney, Jeff Gray from Torrance, said that it’s clear that his client acted in complete self-defense and that Colecchi, unprovoked, started the fight, ending in his death and many injuries to Cobarruvias, including a cut by his eye, elbow and shoulders and even a severe bite on his hand. “I argued that the murder charge is inappropriate,” said Gray. “It should be not guilty and at worst voluntary manslaughter.” According to prosecuting…
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