A judge Thursday granted a reduction in bail for a man accused of fatally stabbing a 23-year-old Hemet resident, but it was unknown whether the defendant would be able to secure the sum needed for his release.

Mark Anthony Acevedo, 22, was arrested in March for the alleged slaying of Wilber Garcia at a residence in the 200 block of Western Avenue, near Latham Avenue.

Acevedo is charged with murder and a sentence-enhancing allegation of using a knife in the commission of a felony.

His attorney, Timothy Nilan, submitted a motion arguing for a reduction of the defendant’s $1 million bond requirement based on a lack of criminal history. Riverside County Superior Court Judge Becky Dugan lowered the amount to $500,000 and scheduled a felony settlement conference for June 28 at the Banning Justice Center.

For the time being, Acevedo remains held at the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta.

According to Hemet Police Lt. Jeff Davis, the attack happened about 9 p.m. on March 1, though the circumstances were unclear.

Davis said paramedics were sent to the Western Avenue location in response to reports of a man down and found Garcia in grave condition from a stab wound. The assailant had fled, the lieutenant said.

The victim died less than an hour later at a hospital.

Within 24 hours, detectives identified Acevedo as the alleged perpetrator, according to Davis, who did not disclose any further details, including a possible motive.

The defendant was taken into custody without incident at a property on Sunburst Drive in Beaumont.

He has no documented prior felony convictions.

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