Duncan could face California trial next fall

INDIO, Calif. — Joseph Duncan could face trial next fall on charges of murdering a Southern California boy in 1997. Duncan, previously convicted in a horrific Idaho kidnap-murder case, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday before Riverside County Superior Court Judge David B. Downing in Indio. Trial was tentatively set for Sept. 1 or within 60 days of that date. Duncan is accused of killing 10-year-old Anthony Martinez, who was abducted in Beaumont more than 12 years ago. His body was found two weeks later in Indio. Duncan was convicted in Idaho in the 2005 killings of two boys, their mother and her fiance, and the abduction of the boys’ sister. The case involved sexual abuse and torture.