Suspects in Pinyon Pines triple murder case may be tried by separate juries
The two men accused in a 2006 Pinyon Pines triple-murder case may be tried by multiple juries, according to John Hall of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. Cristin Smith and Robert Pape appeared in court at the Larson Justice Center in Indio today for the first time since November, when a trial date was initially set.
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“Each defendant has his own jury in this case. Both juries will hear the same testimony and see the same evidence when applicable,” said John Hall of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. ” However, there will be times when there is evidence and/or testimony presented that pertains only to one defendant and is not to be heard by the other defendant’s jury. When that is necessary, the other jury will not be present in the courtroom. “
Opening statements for the trial are set to begin on April 16. Cristin Smith’s case will begin first with the opening statements and will be followed by Robert Pape’s case.
The jury selection for the case will begin in April.
Judge Schwartz also ruled that character witnesses defending Smith testifying on his military service would be admissible but limited to focusing on Smith’s “honesty and peacefulness”.
On the evening of September 17, 2006, firefighters responded to reports of a residential structure fire on the 68000 block of Alpine Drive in Pinyon Pines. Upon arrival, firefighters found the burning body of Rebecca “Becky” Friedli in a wheelbarrow outside the residence. After the fire was extinguished, the charred remains of Rebecca Friedli’s mother, Vicki Friedli, and Vicki’s boyfriend, were found.
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The maximum sentence for Pape and Smith if convicted as currently charged, would be life in prison without the possibility of parole.
In August, the Riverside County District Attorney Office decided not to seek the death penalty against Pape.
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