Accused Murderer Pleads Not Guilty as Jury Seated in Trial

SAN ANGELO – Accused murderer Jose Trevino entered a plea of not guilty Monday after the jury was seated in his murder trial in the Tom Green County Courthouse. 

The 12 jurors and 2 alternates were chosen Monday on the first day of the trial.  Defense Attorney Rae Liefeste and prosecutor John Best agreed on the 14 jurors in 51st District Court. 

As we reported earlier, Trevino is on trial for the brutal stomping death of Jason Garivay in 2021.  

According to court documents, on June 19th, 2021, police responded to Shannon Hospital in regards to a possible stabbing victim. Investigators were contacted to the scene and learned the incident happened in the parking lot at 2400 College Hills Boulevard.

After speaking with officers, the investigator learned that this was not a stabbing, but an assault by an unknown suspect. While on the scene, Garivay “coded”, which means he went into cardiopulmonary arrest, but was resuscitated. There were indications that Garivay went 10 minutes without oxygen to his brain.

The investigators spoke with several witnesses, two of whom provided a description of the assault and the suspect. The witnesses told the investigator that Garivay was knocked to the ground and was stomped several times in the head and face area. This kind of attack would match the injuries seen on Garivay at the hospital.

After the assault, the suspect left in a vehicle with another individual from the scene and Garivay was taken to the hospital by another individual.

Investigators spoke with another witness and reviewed surveillance footage from the area of the assault. Footage showed an escalating issue between Garivay and the suspect which ended with both men in the parking lot. The footage also showed Garivay had no problem leaving but being unable to walk after the assault.

Due to the investigation, review of security footage, witness statements, and other factors, investigators positively identified Jose Trevino based on records from the Penny Tap House as well as physical description.

Garivay passed away on June 27th, 2021 and due to the nature of his assault and his death, a warrant was issued for Trevino.

In the courtroom Monday, the indictment was read after the jury was seated and received initial instructions.  Trevino entered a plea of Not Guilty.  He as elected to have the jury assess punishment.  

Trevino is charged with one court of Murder and one count of Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily Injury.  He pleaded Not Guilty to both counts. 

Both the Defense and Prosecution read their opening statements.  Following opening statements Monday, the jury was released until Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. when testimony will begin.