A prosecutor said on Dec. 5 attorneys have agreed to delay the Dec. 12 preliminary hearing of a suspect charged with killing a 65-year-old man who was stabbed in the heart and severely beaten in Mission Beach.

Daniel Ruben Martin, 19, of San Diego, has pleaded not guilty to murder in the July 5 death of Michael Shook, whose body was found at 5:30 a.m. at 900 West Mission Bay Drive in Bonita Cove Park.

A 17-year-old boy has also been charged with murder in Shook’s death, but his case is being handled in Juvenile Court where proceedings are not public record.

Shook was stabbed three times in his torso, but one wound penetrated his aorta, which was a fatal injury, according to District Attorney records.

He had over 20 fractures to his ribs with burns to his “face and head (which) suggest he was struck with the (barbecue) grill top when it was hot,” according to DA records.

Deputy District Attorney Karra Reedy used info about the death to successfully argue that Martin should remain in jail without bail.

Attorney Amy Balfe filed papers arguing that Martin had no criminal record, and was working and living with his sister. She said the 17-year-old co-defendant “is likely more culpable than Mr. Martin.”

“He is widely recognized as a positive and respectful person, who is protective of those he loves, and maintains a good work ethic,” wrote Balfe of her client, whom she added has “no prior arrests or convictions.”

Balfe wrote that Shook was a transient. She unsuccessfully sought bail before San Diego Superior Court Judge Peter Deddeh.

Reedy said the attorneys have agreed to delay the preliminary hearing to January. Martin remains in the Rock Mountain Detention Facility.