17-year-old to face murder charges

VICTORVILLE — A 17-year-old Barstow man was ordered Thursday to stand trial for murder, attempted robbery and a gun allegation in connection with an attempted robbery in May 2006.

According to testimony in the preliminary hearing Thursday, Leroy Tyus admitted to being involved in the robbery.

Peter Roth, 53, of Victorville was killed shortly after cashing in a Keno ticket for $127 at the Spirit Shop on Seventh Street. He was later found with his car smashed into a wall in the Tzers parking lot on Seventh Street, with his foot stuck on the accelerator causing smoke to pour out of the engine of his green Dodge Neon, officials said.

According to Deputy District Attorney Steven Sinfield, he was shot in the head, but the $127 was still in his pocket.

“We don’t believe they robbed him,” Sinfield said. “I think they panicked and left.”

A second suspect, Kevin Roach, 19, of Barstow was arrested in December — while in custody for another crime — and is alleged as the shooter, said Sinfield.

His preliminary hearing is set for June 19. A preliminary hearing is like a miniature trial where the prosecutor calls witnesses to prove to the judge that there is enough evidence to hold the defendant over for trial.

If convicted as charged, Tyus faces 27 years to life, and Roach faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Superior Court Judge Margaret Powers found that there was enough sufficient evidence for Tyus to stand trial for the murder.