Murder trial moves south

The murder case against two men in an April shooting at a Palm City motel has been transferred to Chula Vista Superior Court because the witnesses are from the South Bay.

The case involving the April 12 shooting death of Raymond Lipscomb, 27, was originally filed in San Diego Superior Court, but was transferred to Chula Vista at the request of attorneys.

Rodney Eric Martin, 29, and Maurice Leon Hayes, 21, have both pleaded not guilty. Martin is alleged to have been the gunman who shot Lipscomb in the upper torso at 1:20 a.m.

The shooting took place at the EZ-8 Motel in the 1010 Outer Road. A security camera caught footage of a man wearing a black hoodie and grey sweatpants in the area.

Both Martin and Hayes have a Dec. 14 preliminary hearing scheduled. They both waived their right to have a speedy hearing.

Lipscomb was transported to a hospital where he died a short time later. San Diego Police arrested Martin on June 29 and Hayes on July 5. Both men are from San Diego.

Martin has a previous case of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and is being held without bail.