Hearing rescheduled in Modesto murder, arson case

A judge has a rescheduled a preliminary hearing to start April 30 two defendants in a Modesto murder case.

Nicole Marie Pappas and Clinton Curtis Wilson are accused of murder and arson in the death of Guadalupe Mario Tubera. His body was found in a burning west Modesto home nearly four years ago.

At a hearing in August, there was some indication of a possible plea deal in the works for Pappas in exchange for her testimony against her co-defendant.

A plea deal had not been reached on Friday, when Stanislaus Superior Court Judge Scott Steffen rescheduled the preliminary hearing for both defendants. The hearing is expected to last two days. At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge will determine whether there is enough evidence for the defendants to stand trial.

Both defendants remain in custody at the Stanislaus County jail.

The fire occurred May 4, 2011 at the house in the 1700 block of John Street, and authorities believe Pappas started the fire to cover up a crime scene after Wilson shot Tubera inside the home. Wilson is accused of shooting Tubera over stolen marijuana and a laptop computer.

This story was originally published January 12, 2015 at 11:58 AM with the headline "Hearing rescheduled in Modesto murder, arson case."