Preliminary Hearing Postponed for Man Accused in 1980 Murder

MURRIETA - With the prosecutor tied up on another case, a preliminary hearing was postponed today for a man accused of raping and killing a 67-year-old neighbor in Hemet more than 30 years ago.

Shelby Shamblin, 49, could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of first-degree murder and other felonies in the Jan. 17, 1980, beating and strangulation of Elizabeth Crossman.

Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Dan DeLimon informed Superior Court Judge Angel Bermudez that he was in the middle of a trial and the defense needed a two-month delay in the preliminary hea...