The four defendants in the murder of Emmanuel Roldan – the 15-year-old who was stabbed to death on July 4 – pled not guilty in Santa Barbara Superior Court Wednesday. Three of the defendants are juveniles being charged as adults.
The four – 17-year-old David Roldan, who is the victim’s brother, 15-year-old Daniel Cervantes, Victor Arroyo and 21-year-old Miguel Marquez – all appeared in Commissioner Edward DeCaro’s courtroom to plea, after having their arraignments continued from the week prior.
The murder of Emmanuel Roldan happened not far from Stearns Wharf, just minutes before the fireworks celebration was to commence. Roldan, along with two others, were stabbed within minutes of one another, although specific details of what happened are still unknown.
The next appearance in court for the group, who as co-defendants are charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder, will be in August.