The suspect accused in the execution-style murder of Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Steve Owen, who was killed investigating a burglary, is expected to have a preliminary hearing in December, officials said.

Prosecutors believe Owen, a former Acton resident, was shot and killed by Trenton Trevon Lovell, a convicted felon with a lengthy rap sheet, while investigating a report of a crime.

Owen, a decorated, 29-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department, was working with the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station on Oct. 5, 2016 when he responded to a reported residential burglary on Avenue J in Lancaster.

When Owen approached the location, the burglary suspect shot him several times, while standing over the victim, according to officials.

At a hearing Friday, the presiding judge set a “target date” of December 7 for Lovell’s preliminary hearing, according to prosecutor Michael Blake of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

At the hearing, both sides present their cases to court and a judge determines if there’s enough evidence to merit a trial.

The next hearing date in the case is December 1, which is when both sides will check on the readiness status of their respective arguments ahead of the Dec. 7 date.

Officials alluded to the potential for an attempt at another continuance by the defense; however, Blake noted there would need to be a “good cause” filing by the end of November in order to garner additional time.

From a previous story: ‘Wednesdays With Wilk’ Honors Late Sheriff’s Sgt. Steve Owen With Adjournment

Sheriff Jim McDonnell gave the following statement regarding Owen’s death:

“The tragedy of a deputy sheriff such as Sergeant Steve Owen making the ultimate sacrifice has a massive impact on the whole law enforcement family. We all mourn together and our hearts go out especially to Steve’s immediate family Tania, a detective at Arson/Explosives Detail, his two adult sons, Brandon and Chad, a step-daughter Shannon and his mother, Millie.”

Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris also praised Owen during a recent freeway dedication made in his honor, on the anniversary of his death.

From a previous story: Santa Clarita, Lancaster Law Enforcement Honor Fallen Sgt Steve Owen One Year Later

“One year ago today, Sergeant Steve Owen made the ultimate sacrifice in order to ensure the safety of our residents and their families,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “The dedication of a portion of the Antelope Valley freeway in honor of Sergeant Owen will serve as a continuous reminder of his selfless act, as well as a lesson to us all that we each have the ability to improve our community – much like Steve did every day.”

According to the Blue Lives Matter page:

“While responding to the burglary on the 3200 block of West Avenue J-7, Owen had his partner remain in the front of the location while he went around to check the rear. As Owens approached the rear of the building, an armed suspect shot him in the face.

“The suspect then ran passed Owen’s collapsed body to the front of the building where he then jumped into Owen’s cruiser. Fortunately, another deputy was close by. The deputy opened fire when the suspect put the car in reverse to attempt to run him over. The suspect collided with another cruiser, injuring the deputy inside.

“He then bailed out of the vehicle and fled on foot. He ran into a nearby home which was occupied by two teens. One of the teens quickly contacted police to notify them of the suspect’s location. SWAT responded and forced their way into the home but the suspect was able to flee out the back. He jumped a fence and ran into another back yard where he was quickly surrounded by authorities. He was taken into custody. At some point during the event, most likely during the initial collision, he was struck in the torso by a round fired by deputies.”

Owen received the Sheriff’s Department’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor, for his role in safely taking an armed suspect into custody using nonlethal force.

Described by his colleagues as a ‘Cop’s Cop,’ Sgt. Owen volunteered countless hours helping the youth of the region.