Modesto hearing delayed in Hooker case after defense cites illness
A judge on Monday postponed a preliminary hearing in the case of James Hooker, resetting it for May 4 after his attorney said he was not physically able to proceed.
During a hearing in Stanislaus County Superior Court, defense attorney Robert D. Chase told the court he was dealing with ongoing medical issues and was not prepared to move forward with the preliminary examination.
Deputy District Attorney Harshan Samra objected, arguing the request was made at the last minute and noting the case has been pending for an extended period. He also raised concerns about the timing of the request and its impact on the proceedings.
Judge Jeff Mangar said he understood the frustration but emphasized that a defendant’s constitutional right to counsel — including an attorney who is adequately prepared — outweighs the right to a speedy preliminary hearing.
“If we were to go forward and counsel is not prepared, that could jeopardize the case,” Mangar said, explaining that such a scenario could risk a future conviction being overturned.
The judge granted the continuance and rescheduled the preliminary hearing for May 4 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 3. An additional hearing is set for April 29 at 8:30 a.m. to address pretrial and discovery matters.
Outside the courtroom, Samra said he would defer to the court’s ruling. “The court’s hands were bound by the law,” he said. “I’m just going to stand by the court.”
Chase pushed back on suggestions the request for a delay was strategic. “I don’t delay s---,” he said. “I’ve been ready before on this case … and you don’t fake a pneumonia diagnosis.”
Hooker did not respond to questions from The Bee as he left the courthouse. When approached, Chase advised his client not to speak.
The parents of Autumn Rose, the alleged victim who died after initially reporting abuse, spoke in court and afterward about the continued delays.
Matthew Rose, Autumn’s father, called the postponement frustrating. “The delay is ridiculous,” he said. “It feels like he can just say, ‘I’m not ready,’ and everything stops.”
Rose said repeated court appearances have taken an emotional toll on the family. “It just brings up everything you don’t want to think about,” he said. “You’re constantly reminded of it every time you’re here.”
Marina Gonzales, Autumn’s mother, said the process has been difficult to endure. “It’s very frustrating, not only to keep coming back here and seeing him, but the reasons why it’s not progressing.”
“It’s hard to be here emotionally,” Gonzales added. “As much as I love thinking about my daughter and hearing her name, it’s hard in this circumstance.”
The family said the case has stretched on for months, with Rose noting it has been roughly two years since investigators first searched Hooker’s residence.
“I just want him to get what he deserves,” Rose said. “No plea bargains, no walking away.”
The case is scheduled to return April 29 for a pretrial conference and discovery motions ahead of the May 4 preliminary hearing.
This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 10:51 AM with the headline "Modesto hearing delayed in Hooker case after defense cites illness."
