Victor Patton

Testimony: Couple accused in killing had baby items

After a one week hiatus, testimony resumed Monday in the murder trial of accused killers Maria Teresa Ceja Robles and Jose Augustine Velarde. The defendants are accused in the murder of Ana Lila Diaz DeCeja, 26, on Dec. 2, 2010, and the kidnapping of her 2-month-old son, Anthony Ceja.

More stories by Victor Patton

Run of weekend fires keep crews hopping

Cal Fire celebrates 25 years in Merced County area

Firm Build defendants plead no contest in asbestos case

15,000 POT PLANTS UPROOTED NEAR GUSTINE

Merced County honors fallen officers with ceremony

Planada murder trial: Female defendant was a willing participant in plot to kill, says prosecutor

Desire for son led couple to kill, says Merced County prosecutors

Man gets 25 years to life in death of Atwater baby

Motorcyclist hospitalized after crash with motor home near Snelling

23-year-old man convicted in Merced auto parts store shooting

Four arrested after Merced shooting; one related to man killed by officers

Machete attack leaves man dead

Merced's Relay for Life draws 1,300 participants

Inmates arrested in three Merced murders

Planada murder-kidnap trial: One jury chosen, 1 to go

Mariposa museum robbers reach plea deals

Person stabbed at Lake Yosemite

Future dentist brings smiles to kids' faces

Adam Carolla to be featured in Middlestate Independent Comedy Film Festival

VICTOR PATTON

E-mail: vpatton@mercedsun-star.com

Blog: Reporters' Notebook

Victor A. Patton is the crime and courts reporter for the Merced Sun-Star. A graduate of UCLA, Patton has been employed with the Sun-Star since October 2006. In 2003, Patton received two first place awards from the San Diego Press Club for his story "Escape from Terror." The story chronicled the trials and experiences of refugees fleeing a brutal civil war in the East African country of Sudan. In 2008, Patton received a second place award from the Associated Press for "High Times Ahead," a story about the growth of marijuana in Merced County.

His articles have also appeared in the Orange County Register, San Diego CityBeat and Sacramento News and Review. He can be reached at vpatton@mercedsun-star.com.