Hearing delay infuriates dad of shooting victim

The postponement Friday of a court hearing for his son's accused murderer brought an angry outburst from Ron Snarr, who called the proceedings "a farce" and "45 minutes of babbling."

Jorge Benvenuto, 20, wants to withdraw his guilty plea in the Aug. 26, 1996, shooting death of Zack Snarr and the wounding of Yvette Rodier. The two were shot while taking photos at Little Dell Reservoir.Benvenuto, who faces the death penalty, pleaded guilty in October in a plea bargain that would have given him life in prison without parole. But at his Nov. 12 sentencing hearing, Benvenuto asked for a new attorney and said he wants to withdraw his guilty plea.

Defense attorney Robert Booker told 3rd District Judge Anne M. Stirba Friday he needs more time to review a psychological profile of Benvenuto prepared for his sentencing. His client may be suffering from depression, Booker said.

"We don't expect anything from the justice system anymore," said a disappointed Ron Snarr after the hearing. "It's a farce. This is a highly emotional issue for the families, and now it just drags on.

"It looks like this will never end," he said. "They will keep continuing it and continuing it. It's been 15 months now, and they're still continuing it," he said, adding that delaying the hearings as many times as pos-sible appears to be the new defense strategy.

Rodier, who was wounded twice, said she is ready to testify against Ben-venuto.

"I had hoped it would be resolved today," she said. "But it wasn't. I'm not worried about taking the stand. It's easy to tell the truth. You just speak from the heart."

Stirba set a new hearing for Jan. 16.