Preliminarily hearing moved for teen accused ofmurdering Pocatello woman

The 18-year-old California teen accused of brutally murdering an 87-year-old Pocatello woman was back in court Thursday.

Dustin Alfaro is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Arlyne Koehler. She was killed in her home on March 18 or 19, and her body was found by a family member.

The murder triggered a massive police manhunt, and they had the suspects in custody within 48 hours.

Alfaro was scheduled to begin his preliminary hearing Thursday, but it was postponed because of the large amount of evidence that is still being processed.

Bannock County Prosecutor Steve Herzog said both parties decided they need more time before any further hearings.

The preliminary hearing is now set for June 13, and Alfaro is being held on a $1 million bond.

The charge of first-degree murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison or the death penalty.

The 17-year-old male accomplice that was with Alfaro at the time of the murders remains in jail in California while awaiting extradition.

All of the documents in the case have been sealed, so there is very little information being released right now.

Prosecutors have up to 60 days after the preliminary hearing to decide whether or not they will seek the death penalty in the case.