Posted on 06/25/2007 7:52:17 AM PDT by SwinneySwitch
The trial of three men accused of a gang-related shooting in Rio Bravo are set for trial today in 49th District Court.According to investigators with the Webb County Sheriff's Department, gunfire broke out when rival gang members showed up at a birthday party for an infant in Rio Bravo, leaving two dead: 14-year-old Oscar "Seco" Martinez and 18-year-old Roberto "KK" Villarreal. They died April 16, 2005.
Among several suspects arrested in connection with the shooting were Martin Jesus Carrizales, Amado Vasquez Jr. and Noel Vasquez. They are each charged with two counts of murder and have entered pleas of not guilty.
Vasquez Jr.'s defense attorney, Oscar O. Peña, said his client acted to defend himself and his brother.
"We feel confident the evidence will show that Amado had no choice during the incident," Peña said.
Five others were wounded in the shooting, which prompted authorities to step up anti-gang efforts in the Rio Bravo and El Cenizo communities.
Hundreds of LBJ High School students stayed home in the days following the incident, and TAKS testing was postponed because of the absences.
Carrizales was also wounded in the shooting, and he was arrested in April 2005 after being released from the hospital. The Vasquez brothers turned themselves in to authorities in the weeks following the incident.
The party was for a year-old child, whose mother was also wounded and later recovered.
Judge Joe Lopez denied a motion last week that would have delayed the trial, set for jury selection today in 49th District Court.
(Clay Reddick may be reached at (956) 728-2582 or by e-mail at clay@lmtonline.com)
Family values ping!
If you want on, or off this S. Texas/Mexico ping list, please FReepMail me.
That or let them wipe out each other. Wonderful hard working families with high values these guests of Jorge are.
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