Hearing Postponed Again for Former Helix Track Athlete Accused of Murder

A preliminary hearing for a former Helix Charter High School track and field athlete accused of fatally injuring his girlfriend at a home in Spring Valley, has been postponed again, it was announced Tuesday.

Roshawn Lamar Broadnax, 21, faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted of murder in the July death of 19-year-old Deazjnae Banks. He is being held in lieu of $3 million bail.

Deputy District Attorney Danielle Hickman told Judge John Thompson that pending the release of autopsy results, as well as the obtaining statements from other witnesses, that both the people and the defense have agreed to postpone the preliminary hearing until Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013.

Broadnax, dressed in a navy blue jumpsuit, told the judge that he waived his right to have the preliminary hearing heard on Tuesday, and agreed to the postponement date.

This is the second time Broadnax's preliminary hearing has been postponed. He has been in custody since mid-July.

Deputies found the defendant tending to a gravely injured Banks in the 9500 block of Piedmont Street on July 10, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Broadnax, who ran track for Helix, was immediately arrested on suspicion of attempted murder as paramedics took Banks to Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, where she was admitted in critical condition. Two days later, physicians removed her from life-support equipment and Broadnax was charged with murder.

Sheriff's authorities have withheld the cause of Banks' death and details on what might have led to her death. She and Broadnax, who has a prior conviction for burglary, had been dating for about a year and a half, according to Hickman.

While running track for Helix in 2008, Broadnax earned JV honor roll status for performances in the 400 meters and triple jumps as a sophomore.

–City News Service contributed to this story.