PUEBLO — A district judge ruled Friday that there is enough evidence to proceed with the trial of a Pueblo West man accused of killing a 14-year-old neighbor.
Paul Stark, 65, is charged with first-degree murder, sexual assault on a child and child abuse resulting in death involving the strangulation of Ashley Patterson.
Ashley’s body was found in an empty field about an hour after she was reported missing on March 29. Police reports said her body was stuffed in a plastic trash bag, with a separate bag over her head. She was nude from the waist down.
Stark used a walker when he entered the courtroom Friday, and he asked for a hearing device in order to listen to testimony.
Stark has not entered a plea in the case.
An affidavit says he denied the allegations and told investigators that he didn’t see Ashley the day she disappeared.
Stark is set for arraignment Sept. 21. Staff and wire reports
