Joseph Duncan Passes Hearing, Goes Straight To Trial

INDIO – Joseph Duncan, the man who’s charged with killing a Beaumont boy in 1997, waived his right to a preliminary hearing today, clearing the way for his trial to begin, possibly next year.

Duncan was arraigned today on charges that he murdered 10 year-old Anthony Martines.

During his arraignment, Duncan, who is representing himself as his own attorney,addressed the court, and told the judge, “I do not deny the allegations.” The judge then entered the “not guilty” plea for him.

Duncan’s next court date is set for February 26, 2010, and a trial readiness conference was set for September 1, 2010.