Jury selection will start Jan. 3 in the murder trial of a man suspected of killing a National City man while another suspect in the case remains a fugitive.
Eleazar Mariscal, 35, is charged with fatally stabbing Eduardo Ortega, Jr., 25, in the 200 block of North Highland Ave. around 11:30 p.m. on April 9. Ortega was taken to a hospital where he died shortly after midnight.
Enrique Cruz Pompa, 19, is a fugitive and a warrant for his arrest remains outstanding. He is believed to be in Mexico, a law enforcement source said.
Mariscal was to have stood trial Nov. 30, but it was delayed. He will next appear before Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Theodore Weathers on Dec. 29 regarding pre-trial motions.
Mariscal will also stand trial on a gang enhancement charge that alleges he participated in the crime in association with a criminal street gang. He was ordered to stand trial in a June 23 preliminary hearing.
National City Police detectives arrested Mariscal, of San Diego, on April 10. He has pleaded not guilty and he remains in the George Bailey Detention Facility on $2 million bail.
Pompa should be considered armed and dangerous, according to National City Police. They say he has shoulder length black hair, 5’8” tall, about 180 pounds with a stocky build.
Pompa was last seen in the area on April 12. A National City detective saw him driving a white Chevrolet truck, which was later abandoned after Pompa evaded officers.
