A young man suspected of killing a sailor during a fight outside an East Village nightclub has been ordered to stand trial for murder.
Following a 2-day preliminary hearing, Takari Terell Benness, 20, was held to answer for the slaying of Albert Soto, 18, who was shot to death after nightclub security ejected two groups who were arguing with each other on Aug. 31, 2024.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Eugenia Eyherabide considered the testimony of numerous San Diego Police detectives who told her what witnesses related about the incident between two groups of people.
People in both groups got to arguing with nightclub personnel and they decided to order them to leave from separate exits. However, both groups caught up to each other outside and three shots were fired in the area of 9th Street and F Streeet around 12:49 a.m.
One man’s girlfriend took off her high heel and held it to use as a potential weapon before the shooting, said detective Emily Clark. Another man prepared to fight and took off a hat and other clothing so it would not get damaged, said another witness, Clark testified.
“He (Soto) took the bullets and he fell down.” said one witness, according to Clark.
Soto died from two gunshots to his upper chest, according to a deputy medical examiner who conducted an autopsy, who disclosed the finding to a detective.
The gunman was Benness, who was also known as T.K., according to witnesses, said the detectives.
A computer screen in the courtroom showed there were 29 people viewing the hearing electronically. Deputy District Attorney Matthew Carberry said the families of Soto and Benness have numerous family members watching it online from other states. There were few people watching the hearing in the actual courtroom.
Soto is from Queens, New York and was stationed aboard a Navy ship in San Diego. Benness left the area after the shooting and returned to St. Cloud, Minn., where he is from and where he was arrested on Oct. 16, 2024.
At the end of the hearing Feb. 19, Benness pleaded not guilty and Eyherabide set a trial date for April 10.
Benness remains in the George Bailey Detention Facility without bail.
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