SANTA CRUZ, CA — The trial of Stephen Lindsay, the first of four defendants charged in the 2019 killing of Pleasure Point cannabis entrepreneur Tushar Atre, officially began Wednesday afternoon with the swearing in of the jury. Lindsay, 26, faces multiple charges, including murder, robbery, kidnapping, carjacking, and burglary, in connection with the brutal crime that shocked the Santa Cruz community.
Background of the Case
Tushar Atre, a well-known cannabis entrepreneur, was killed during a violent robbery and kidnapping on October 1, 2019. Authorities say Lindsay, along with alleged co-conspirators Joshua Camps, 28, and brothers Kurtis and Kaleb Charters, was involved in breaking into Atre’s home, robbing him, and eventually kidnapping him before fatally shooting him in the early hours of that fateful morning.
The crime was widely publicized due to Atre’s involvement in the legal cannabis industry, making his death all the more high-profile. The suspects were arrested and charged after an extensive investigation by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, which linked the defendants to the crime.
Details of the Jury Selection Process
On Wednesday, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Stephen Siegel oversaw the jury selection, which involved the questioning of prospective jurors. The panel consists of 12 jurors and five alternates, with 10 women and seven men selected to serve. The jury will reconvene for opening statements from both the prosecution and defense on January 6, 2025.
In the interim, the jurors will not be hearing evidence, but they have been instructed to avoid discussing the case or conducting independent research. Judge Siegel emphasized the importance of impartiality throughout the trial process.
Charges Against Stephen Lindsay
Lindsay faces multiple serious charges related to the death of Atre. These charges include:
Murder: Lindsay is accused of being one of the key figures responsible for the killing of Atre.
Robbery and Kidnapping: Along with his co-defendants, Lindsay allegedly participated in the robbery of Atre’s home, which escalated into a violent kidnapping.
Carjacking and Burglary: Lindsay is also charged with stealing Atre’s vehicle as part of the crime and entering his home without permission.
The case marks the first of four separate trials connected to the killing. While Lindsay faces charges alone in this trial, his alleged co-conspirators — Joshua Camps and brothers Kaleb and Kurtis Charters — are all facing separate legal proceedings.
Separation of Defendants into Separate Trials
In a development that may impact the trial’s timeline, defense attorneys were successful in persuading the court to separate the co-defendants into their own trials. This decision, made after nearly four years of legal proceedings, means that Lindsay’s case will be handled first, while the others will have to wait for their day in court.
Joshua Camps, who is also facing murder and other charges, is tentatively scheduled to stand trial in mid-March 2025. Meanwhile, brothers Kurtis and Kaleb Charters, who are accused of playing central roles in the crime, are set for a scheduling hearing Friday morning to determine their trial dates.
Reactions from the Community and Law Enforcement
The murder of Tushar Atre sent shockwaves through the Santa Cruz community, particularly within the legal cannabis industry, where Atre had a significant reputation. Friends, family, and colleagues mourned his loss, and law enforcement agencies worked tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
Sheriff’s officials have pointed to the strong evidence linking Lindsay and his co-defendants to the crime, and they remain confident in the case moving forward. Atre’s death has also drawn attention to the rising risks faced by entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry, particularly as the industry continues to face growing pains and criminal elements seeking to capitalize on its success.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings and Trial Outlook
The trial of Stephen Lindsay will likely be one of the most watched legal cases in Santa Cruz County in recent years. With the jury now sworn in and opening statements scheduled for January 2025, legal experts predict that the case will last several weeks, with both the prosecution and defense expected to present detailed arguments regarding the defendant’s role in the crime.
While Lindsay faces the first trial, the other co-defendants are expected to be tried later in the year, adding to the ongoing nature of the case. The outcome of these trials may bring some measure of closure to the Atre family and the local community as they continue to cope with the aftermath of this tragic event.
