Suspect in 2018 Fresno County murder pleads not guilty

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Nearly seven years after a Fresno County killing, prosecutors are now just weeks away from making their case against Anthony Yepez.

"It's going to be difficult to determine what the defendant did back then, seven years ago," Action News Legal Analyst Tony Capozzi said.

He explained the tension that could soon play out.

"These old cases are very difficult to prove both for the government and difficult to defend by the defense because of the lapse of time," Capozzi said.

Yepez is accused of killing Ka Vang Her in October 2018. The defendant appeared in court on Wednesday.

"My client will be entering a plea of not guilty, denying any and all allegations at this time," Yepez's public defender said.

At less than three minutes, his court appearance was brief.

Investigators say the victim died from a wound to his head. Another man later discovered his body inside a vacant home along South Willow Avenue.

Yepez was only recently connected to the crime after detectives reportedly "developed new information."

It all allegedly happened nearly seven years ago, and Capozzi says memories could have faded.

"The police reports will have to be read by witnesses and refresh their memory," Capozzi said. "And will their (recollection) be the same as it was seven years ago?"

It is unclear what evidence prosecutors have or how investigators linked Yepez to the killing. It now appears the man's public defender is waiting for those details.

"I have spoken with my client," the attorney said. "At this time, we are entering a waiver of the 10-day rule, not the 60-day rule, and we ask to set it accordingly."

The request to delay one court date, but not the trial, is something Capozzi believes could be a key strategy.

"It was a smart move to waive the prelim but not waive the trial," Capozzi said. "Keep the DA under the fire as to what evidence they have in this case."

Yepez is currently held on a $1 million bail at the Fresno County Jail. He is due back in court on October 21 and again on November 6.

For news updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.