They say the wheels of justice turn slowly and the double murder trial of defendant Rafael Aikens appears to be no exception. Here’s reporter Mike Lipsitz with more on the case …
Jury selection in trial of 23-year-old Rafael Aikens had been set to begin yesterday but has been moved to tomorrow while attorneys work out procedural motions. The former machine-gunner attached to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment aboard the base in Twentynine Palms is accused of shooting to death Christy McKissic, 32, and her mother Renee Metcalf, 62, in March of 2017 at their home in the 7700 block of Bedouin Avenue in Twentynine Palms. Aikens has pleaded not guilty to the double murder. Sources at Joshua Tree Superior Court speculate the trial will take four to six weeks, Judge Rodney Cortez presiding. Citing the heinous nature of the crime, the District Attorney’s office has said Aikens will not be offered a plea deal. Stay tuned to Z107.7 News for continuing coverage in the case.
