Murder trial delayed for suspects that allegedly killed Santa Cruz tech executive
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) Update March 8, 2023, at 12:55 p.m.- The Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office says the four suspects charged with the murder of a Santa Cruz tech executive appeared in court Tuesday.
A 995 motion was filed by the defense team to dismiss some charges against Stephen Lindsay, Kurtis Charters, Kaleb Charters and Joshua Camps. A judge denied that motion.
All four were charged with murder, kidnapping, and robbery. They have all pleaded not guilty.
The scheduled trial date of early April has now been moved. Attorneys needed more time to prepare, said the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office.
A new setting for a jury trial is scheduled for April 25.
Two suspects in murder of Tushar Atre plead "not guilty"
UPDATE 7/24/20
Two of the four people charged in the murder of Santa Cruz County resident Tushar Atre pleaded "not guilty" to the crimes on Friday, according to Santa Cruz County court records.
All four suspects had court hearings, Friday. Stephen Lindsay and Kurtis Charters issued "not guilty" pleas to charges that include murder, kidnapping, robbery and burglary. They are due back in court on August 14.
Joshua Camps and Kaleb Charters are also scheduled to be back in court on August 14 for their continued arraignment.
Authorities say Atre was taken from his Pleasure Point home on October 1, 2019. He was found dead hours later on a property he owned off Soquel San Jose Road. A pathologist said he died of a gunshot wound and confirmed that it was murder.
Investigators said Kaleb Charters and Stephen Lindsay both worked for Atre at his cannabis manufacturing company, Interstitial Systems. Kurtis Charters is Kaleb's brother, and detectives say Joshua Camps was an acquaintance.
ORIGINAL REPORT 5/26/20
All four men arrested in connection to the kidnapping and murder of Santa Cruz County resident Tushar Atre chose to continue their arraignment in court Tuesday.
They also waived their right to be present for the hearing.
The suspects are 23-year-old Joshua Camps of Lancaster, CA; 22-year-old Kurtis Charters of Lancaster, CA; 19-year-old Kaleb Charters of St. Clair Shores, MI and 22-year-old Stephen Lindsay of Burbank, CA.
All four of the men are charged with murder, robbery, kidnapping and burglary with several enhancements. Camps had weapons enhancements added to his charges because the complaint alleges that he personally used a gun in the murder. The weapon used in the murder was a rifle.
"We are confident these are the people. We are confident in the evidence against these people, and they will be brought to justice," said Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell.
The continued arraignment is scheduled for June 26.
Investigators said Kaleb Charters and Stephen Lindsay both worked for Atre at his cannabis manufacturing company, Interstitial Systems. Kurtis Charters is Kaleb's brother, and detectives say Joshua Camps was an acquaintance.
