Pre-Trial Purpose Changes in Isidro Delacruz Case

SAN ANGELO, TX - The trial of Isidro Miguel Delacruz continued with a pre-trial held today in Judge Ben Woodward’s 119th District Court this afternoon. 

Judge Woodward addressed the Defense and State on any concerns regarding the jury selection process. Delacruz is being charged in the murder of 5-year-old Naiya Villegas, and faces the death penalty.

The Defense objected the previous proposal by the court to do the panel selection separately, as they would prefer to do this in a mass gathering.

Judge Woodward also mentioned he was not able to secure City Hall as the venue for the 350-400 coming for the initial jury pool. The current courtroom would not accommodate all of those members of the jury pool.

It was noted by the Defense that both parties have the right to shuffle the jury. District Attorney Allison Palmer suggested having the Defense shuffle the jury following the second gathering, after the questionnaires have been completed.

The Defense, however, objected to the suggestion because, after finishing the first screening, there could be discrepancies by not having all of the jury members present en mass.

The Defense said they will continue to work with the Prosecution to find a compromise on this discussion. Judge Woodward asked that the court note this issue will be discussed internally between both parties.  

Originally, this pre-trial was set to finalize a deadline for agencies to release records in the Delacruz case. None of the agencies showed up to the pre-trial for this purpose. The only topics discussed were the jury selection and schedule.

Click here to read about the previous pre-trial involving this discussion.