SANTA CRUZ — A preliminary hearing has been set for Sept. 4 for four teenagers facing charges stemming from a stabbing in Santa Cruz last month.

Eight teenagers, ages 14 to 17, have been arrested in connection with the attack of an 18-year-old man from Sacramento. Four are being prosecuted in juvenile court, including one teenager arrested on suspicion of attempting to destroy evidence.

Jorge Puga, 17, and Julio Cesar Carrera, Jorge Luis Cruz and Luis Garcia, all 16, pleaded not guilty last month to charges of attempted murder and gang participation. All are from Santa Cruz.

According to police, the group confronted the man as he was walking with his girlfriend near the Boardwalk. They asked about his gang affiliation, before they chased him down and stabbed him in the back and the chest.

Puga, Carrera, Cruz and Garcia remain in custody at Juvenile Hall. Prosecutor Charlie Baum said previously that Carrera is believed to be the main perpetrator.

Follow Sentinel reporter Jessica M. Pasko on Twitter @jmpasko96