GREAT BEND, Kansas – The so-called ‘person of interest’ jailed in Barton County is now charged in the brutal death of 14-year-old Alicia DeBolt, who was murdered last month in Great Bend.
Longoria could face lethal injection if convicted in the killing. He has now been officially charged with capital murder and criminal sodomy.
Longoria returned to court this morning – this time with a court appointed attorney. His only response today was a “yeah” to the judge when asked if he understood that he now faces the additional charges. He’s also charged with burglary and theft for allegedly stealing an SUV from his employer, Venture Corporations, outside of Great Bend just days after Alicia’s body was found at the business.
No additional details were released about the murder. Attorney General Steve Six says it’s important for his office to remain tight-lipped about the case.
“Certainly there’s no more serious case than a capital murder case, they are heavily scrutinized as you all know and we just prefer to allow an opportunity to tell you about the charges and some of the proceedings, but really all the details will be set forth in open court and you’ll have to pick them up that way,” Six said.
Alicia’s family tells KSN that the Attorney General’s Office has requested they not comment on the case on camera. Off camera, however, they say having someone charged in her murder is making dealing with her death a little easier.
Alicia was set to start high school as a freshman this year. Her former classmates say her death has cast a grim shadow over the start of the school year.
“It’s been real hard on everyone,” said classmate Cody Arnold. “Everyone’s all depressed. Certain things just bug people – it just sets them off.”
A telephone conference on Friday between the judge and the attorneys on the case will determine the schedule for Longoria’s preliminary hearing and arraignment. The Attorney General’s Office has until Longoria’s arraignment to decide if they will seek the death penalty in the case.
Six says his office believes Longoria acted alone in the sexual assault and murder of Alicia DeBolt and doesn’t expect to arrest anyone else in the case.
Longoria’s bond was raised from $150,000 to $1.5 million.
