Judge Holds Witness in Contempt at Murder Trial
A Los Angeles judge ordered a witness into custody after she repeatedly refused to testify in a high-profile murder case.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Italia Sosa was held in contempt of court at the San Fernando Courthouse after refusing to take the witness oath for two consecutive days. She was subsequently ordered into custody during the trial of Grigor Hovsepyan.
Why it matters
The refusal to testify threatens to impede the prosecution of a case involving a 2024 car-to-car shooting that resulted in the death of Gavin Unzueta. Prosecutors rely on witness testimony to substantiate charges of murder and attempted murder against the defendant.
Judge Hilleri Merritt found Italia Sosa in contempt of court, requiring her to appear daily until further notice. Grigor Hovsepyan, the 25-year-old defendant, faces one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
The players
Italia Sosa
She is the witness in the murder trial who was held in contempt for refusing to testify.
Hilleri Merritt
She is the judge presiding over the murder trial at the San Fernando Courthouse.
Grigor Hovsepyan
He is the 25-year-old murder suspect facing charges related to a 2024 shooting.
Gavin Unzueta
He is the individual who died in the 2024 car-to-car shooting that serves as the basis for this murder trial.
The details
After the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was ordered to remove her from custody, Sosa remained steadfast in her refusal to provide testimony. The trial proceedings against Hovsepyan involve allegations that he fired rounds into a vehicle occupied by the victims.
Timeline
The car-to-car shooting occurred in 2024.
Grigor Hovsepyan was admonished for refusing to attend court in May 2026.
A readiness hearing occurred at the San Fernando Courthouse on October 12, 2026.
Judge Hilleri Merritt found Italia Sosa in contempt of court on October 15, 2026.
Trial proceedings continued on October 19, 2026.
Legal Context
The court's use of contempt proceedings to compel witness testimony aligns with the established power of the judiciary to enforce compliance with subpoenas and oaths. This mechanism acts as a critical procedural safeguard to prevent the obstruction of justice during high-stakes criminal trials.
The contempt order results in the continued detention of a witness, which ensures that trial proceedings can move forward at the San Fernando Courthouse. Residents and local observers may note increased security and procedural activity as the court enforces these mandates.
The takeaway
Judicial contempt remains a significant tool for courts to ensure that the truth-seeking process remains intact during criminal trials. Witnesses who refuse to testify despite a court order face substantial legal consequences, including the possibility of incarceration to ensure compliance.
What happens next
A hearing for contempt of court is set to occur for Italia Sosa.
Further reading
For more on judicial proceedings and local court matters, visit the Los Angeles Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Clarita Valley Signal.
