Pettis preliminary hearing postponed

By TASHA GALLEGOS

The preliminary hearing for Terry Pettis was delayed for one day Tuesday morning.

Pettis, 20, a former Fresno State basketball player, has been charged with the April 27, 2004 murder of 18-year-old Rene Abbott, attempted murder of Abbott’s boyfriend, Kent Wolf, and robbery.

The hearing was postponed because prosecuting attorney Doug Haas had a scheduling conflict.

In addition, two witnesses, including Dreike Bouldin, a senior on the Fresno State men’s basketball team, were also not present.

Pettis did not appear in court Tuesday, either.

Judge Edward Sarkisian Jr. set the hearing for today at 8:30 a.m. He said the hearing will be heard by another judge, who will determine whether Pettis will go to trial.

Pettis was identified by several witnesses as the suspect seen running away from the scene.

According to an article in the Fresno Bee, a man met Wolf and Abbott in a parking lot to buy marijuana.

The man allegedly opened the car’s back door and got in.

According to the report, the three in the car were completing their deal when another man approached the driver’s side, held a gun to the partially opened window and demanded money. Abbott put the car in reverse, but the assailant fired shots into the vehicle, killing Abbott and wounding Wolf.

By May 3, 2004, Pettis had returned home to Minneapolis. On May 11, Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said officers had a warrant for the arrest of Pettis. Pettis turned himself in to Minneapolis law enforcement shortly thereafter.

Pettis was extradited to Fresno in mid-July of 2004 and is being held in Fresno County jail without bail.
Wolf was present in court during Tuesday’s hearing.

Preliminary hearings take place before the trial in the case of serious offenses. At the hearing, a judge decides whether there is enough evidence against a person for a jury to convict.

If the judge determines there is enough evidence, the formal trial will go forward. If it is determined otherwise, the case can be dismissed.

The preliminary hearing also acts as a mini-trial during which the prosecutor can callwitnesses for brief testimony and the defense can cross-examine the witnesses.