Man goes to third trial for murder

The third trial for a man twice convicted of killing a 12-year-old Huntington Beach girl continues.

Rodney James Alcala, 66, has been convicted twice for the kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Robin Samsoe, but both convictions were thrown out on appeal.

Alcala is standing trial for the third time for the murder of Robin and now four Los Angeles women. He is charged with a series of murder and kidnapping charges with enhancements for rape, intent to inflict torture, intent to kill during burglary and kidnapping from the late 1970s, according to court documents.

Alcala pleaded not guilty or denied all charges. He is being prosecuted by the Orange County and Los Angeles district attorney’s offices at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. Alcala is being held at the Central Men’s Jail in Santa Ana.

— Britney Barnes