Crime & Safety

Accused Killer Tombleson Switches Lawyers; Hearing Delayed

The double-homicide suspect changes from a private attorney to a public defender. His next court appearance is pushed back to Sept. 30.

A hearing to decide whether there's enough evidence to put Justin Alvin Maseo Tombleson on trial for double murder was delayed seven weeks Friday so his new attorney can prepare for the case.

Tombleson, a 28-year-old Lake Forest resident, will be back in court Sept. 30 with public defender Huy Nguyen.

Previously, he was represented by a private attorney.

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Prosecutors allege Tombleson used a pocket knife on June 11 to fatally stab two Mission Viejo men after an altercation at Albatros, a 24-hour eatery.

Elvis , a strength and conditioning coach at Santa Margarita Catholic High School hockey coach died almost instantly from a wound to his heart. Hossain , who was stabbed in the arm and chest, died June 16.

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Tombleson  two days after the stabbings, saying through his then-attorney that he .

He has pleaded not guilty and is being held on $2 million bail at the Central Men's Jail in Santa Ana.


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