Steven J. Carlson, the man accused of killing 14-year-old Tina Faelz almost 30 years ago, will remain in the juvenile court system until after the New Year while his new attorney gets up to speed on the case.
Deputy Public Defender Richard Foxall, for reasons not discussed in court, will no longer serve as Carlson's attorney. Cameron Bowman of the Valencia, Ippolito and Bowman law firm took over on Tuesday, appearing at the San Leandro Juvenile Justice Center with Carlson.
According to Bowman's public LinkedIn profile, he was named “Trial Attorney of the Year” in 1998 by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office. The firm handles "high profile" and other sensitive cases, according to the profile.
On Jan. 10, Judge Trina Thompson will conduct a readiness hearing to determine future court dates. She will decide, based on a behavioral study, whether Carlson is fit to stand trial as a juvenile or whether the case should be moved to adult court.
Carlson, now 43, was 16 when he allegedly committed the crime. Though he's in the juvenile system, he's been at Santa Rita Jail since his arrest a little more than three months ago. He will remain there until the juvenile-versus-adult court issue is resolved.
Carlson, a registered sex offender with a criminal history involving drugs and battery, was on suspicion of killing Faelz in April 1984. He was a classmate of Tina's at
Relatives of Carlson's and friends and relatives of Faelz's are not allowed to talk to the press because of a gag order put in place days after the arrest. However, before that order, Carlson's father did that he doesn't believe his son committed the crime.
