A Pomona judge scheduled a preliminary hearing for the man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl as she slept in her Claremont home this past March.
Joseph Chandler Davall is charged with seven felony counts in Los Angeles County, including two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child; one count each of forcible rape; sexual penetration by foreign object; and assault to commit a felony during the commission of first-degree burglaries.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Jack P. Hunt scheduled Mr. Davall’s preliminary hearing to start on October 20. At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge will determine whether there is enough evidence for the defendant to stand trial.  Among the evidence for consideration is a seven-disk, 150-page DNA report that was recently completed and given to the defendant’s newly-appointed public defender.
The 34-year-old date farmer was taken into custody at his Yucca Valley home on April 18 after a short pursuit involving Claremont police and the San Bernardino County Sheriff. Police previously verified that evidence relating to the Claremont crime was found at Mr. Davall’s residence.
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office confirmed that authorities linked the date farmer to the Claremont attack through the Combined DNA Index System. If convicted as charged, Mr. Davall faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
—Angela Bailey
news@claremont-courier.com