San Angelo, Texas - This morning, although off to a late start, another pre-trial hearing for 25-year-old Isidro M. Delacruz, Jr. took place in Judge Ben Woodward’s courtroom. The purpose of the pre-trial hearing was to set the date of Delacruz’s jury trial.
Delacruz is facing capital murder charges of 5-year-old Niaya Villegas. To see previous articles about Delacruz, click here and here.
Delacruz waited for Woodward to enter the courtroom for an hour. At 9:50 a.m., and with lawyers on either side of him, the pre-trial began.
Judge Woodward opened with his good mornings to everyone and said, “We’re here to schedule things today.”
To start, the Defense explained when they would like the trial to begin. Apparently, one of Delacruz's attorneys has six other cases he is working on. He said, “Basically, the month of September will be shot.”
In addition to the other cases, the Defense explained they still have to sift through the 9,000 pages of CPS records.
“What are you proposing for the trial date?” responded Woodward.
The Defense said, “Judge, we are looking more towards the beginning of the year.”
As the Defense rested, District Attorney Allison Palmer was given her time to explain her schedule and when she would like the trial date to be.
“We want this to be tried by the end of the year. That is our preference,” Palmer stated. “I was looking [to begin] as early as October.”
After consideration for the Defense and the state, Woodward announced, “I think we could get this done if we start in January.”
Thus, Woodward said the jury trial will begin Wednesday, January 4, 2017, and hopefully finish by early March or late February.
Before court was adjourned, Woodward added, “I will schedule at least two pre-trials [before the trial].”
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: