Trial in case of death of CDCR consultant continues

Robert Roberts, accused of murder, listens during opening statements. File image

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – After a break of about two weeks, the trial of two men accused of murdering a prison counselor they allegedly robbed while he was charging an electric vehicle will resume Tuesday.

Robert Pernell Roberts, 31, and Sebastian Parra, 24, face life sentences if convicted in the death of Benny Alcala Jr., 43.

17 News will be live blogging the proceedings on Tuesday, with updates appearing at the bottom of this page.

Alcala was shot and killed on August 24, 2022, near the Target on Stockdale Highway, where he was charging an electric vehicle.

Initially, only Roberts was charged. Parra, the prosecution’s key witness at Roberts’ preliminary hearing, said he met Roberts that night and had nothing to do with the murder. He was later charged.

Prosecutors say the defendants met at the River Walk park, drank together, and at some point Parra gave Roberts his 9mm handgun. They went to Target and went inside, then headed toward a nearby McDonald’s when they saw Alcala attack his vehicle and approach.

Roberts shot Alcala in the back as he tried to flee, said prosecutor John Allen. He died at the scene.

Parra and Roberts each protested their innocence and blamed the other for the murder.