Man to face trial for slaying of stepfather, trucker
BARSTOW • A Newberry Springs man is set to face trial for two murders after a former cell mate testified Thursday that the defendant confessed to killing his elderly stepfather and a truck driver whose 2009 slaying had become a cold case.
Jose Fontenot, 21, could face a maximum of 100 years to life in prison if convicted of both counts of first-degree murder, including gun enhancements, according to Deputy District Attorney Shannon Faherty.
At a preliminary hearing Thursday, Judge Miriam Morton ruled to hold Fontenot to answer for the murders of his stepfather Jimmy Handley, 71, and a San Diego truck driver, Gregory Boriack, 46.
The 2009 murder of Boriack was a mystery to police for years before an inmate who shared a cell with Fontenot came forward last year with information that linked him to the death, according to testimony at the hearing. While Fontenot was in custody for Handley’s May 2011 murder, he confessed to killing not only his stepfather, but also a trucker when he was 17, according to the inmate, who was identified only as “John Doe.”
Fontenot and the trucker allegedly got high and watched pornography together in the cab of Boriack’s truck, according to the unidentified inmate. When the trucker offered Fontenot $40 for sex, Fontenot shot him in the head, the inmate said. Then Fontenot stood over Boriack as he died, the inmate said, watching the trucker’s eyes roll back as he choked on his blood.
Boriack was found on Jan. 16, 2009 in the parking lot of the Bun Boy restaurant on West Main Street with a fatal gunshot wound to his head. Restaurant patrons called police that morning after seeing broken glass and blood in the truck.
Fontenot also allegedly described shooting his stepfather in the head during an argument wherein Fontenot accused Handley of having sex with his teen sister.
Fontenot was charged for Handley’s murder after deputies found his body on the porch of his Newberry Springs home on May 5, 2011 following a 911 call reporting the argument.
Fontenot had allegedly fled the scene, but was arrested the next morning while trying to jump on a train.
Twice during the hearing Fontenot yelled out “Lies!” as he listened to testimony from the inmate and Barstow Police Detective Keith Libby. During a mental competency hearing in August, Fontenot was Tazed when he tried to walk out of court after a judge found him mentally fit for trial.
Neither of Fontenot’s defense attorneys presented evidence during the hearing.
Fontenot’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 29 at Barstow Superior Court.
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(760) 256-4123 or klucia@desertdispatch.com
