Murder trial set for Valpo man

VALPARAISO | The Valparaiso man accused of killing his mother's fiance a week ago will stand trial on a murder charge early next year.

Edward Ibarra was ordered held without bond during his initial court appearance Friday before Porter Superior Court Judge William Alexa.

Ibarra, 21, is accused of shooting Juan Garcia shortly before midnight Oct. 30 at their residence, 308 Morgan Blvd.

Alexa entered a plea of not guilty for Ibarra and ordered the public defender's office to appoint a public defender for him.

Alexa set Ibarra's next court appearance for Jan. 15, with a final hearing Feb. 5 before the start of a jury trial on March 8.

According to police, Ibarra admitted shooting 33-year-old Garcia during an argument thought to be about Ibarra's contribution to the household.

Wearing an orange jail jumpsuit Friday, his jet black hair hanging to his shoulders, Ibarra rocked back and forth, head down, in a corner of the courtroom while awaiting Alexa's arrival.

Alexa asked Ibarra if he understood the charges against him, his rights and the potential sentence he could receive. Ibarra mumbled answers and nodded to several questions, eventually answering yes to the questions.

Ibarra is accused of shooting Garcia several times with a 9 mm handgun. Garcia was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to Porter hospital. Police arrested Ibarra about five hours later as he walked near a downtown intersection.