A Kern County murder case has been postponed until next year.

Paul Magallanes is accused of shooting his sister in law Margarita Lopez, 38, point blank in the chest during a family dispute last April.

Magallanes’ attorney argued his client fired in self-defense after several family members attacked him.

A judge on Friday granted the attorney more time to prepare the case despite objections from prosecutors.

Magallanes is charged with first degree murder and remains free on $200,000 bail.

The trial is now set for January 12, 2026.