A juvenile suspect charged as an adult in the alleged kidnap and beating of a 16-year-old Emporia male has entered a not guilty plea to the charges against him.
Armando Nunez entered the plea Thursday during a probable cause hearing in front of Judge Jeffry Larson. After hearing nearly three hours of testimony from the state’s witnesses, Judge Larson ruled there was enough evidence to proceed with a trial, setting a pretrial hearing for 2 p.m. June 5. Nunez is charged with aggravated battery, conspiracy to commit aggravated battery and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery.
The state called several witnesses including the victim, who stated he was struck by Nunez and multiple others Nov. 18 and was kicked several times in the head and torso. Nunez is alleged by the victim to have been the first person to attack him at the second site but was not at the first site where the attack occurred.Evidence submitted included photographs, video of the incident and social media conversations.
The victim testified he was picked up by 17-year-old Daniel Garcia and then driven to “Bird’s Bridge” near Roads 140 and P and then taken to a second unknown spot in a field nearby. During his testimony, the victim stated he had agreed to box someone but was unaware he was being taken by Garcia to be attacked. The victim and Nunez also, according to testimony had a verbal argument about a week prior to the Nov. 18 incident at Emporia High School.
Nunez’s bond was split but remains at $50,000. Judge Larson ordered Nunez to have no access to social media and to remain on GPS monitoring. He is also not allowed to have contact with co-defendants, victims or witnesses.
Selena Hernandez and Jonathon Manzano, the two other juveniles charged as adults entered into plea agreements earlier this week for their involvement. Sentencing is coming for Manzano June 26 and Hernandez June 27.
A 9 a.m. hearing is scheduled Friday for Daniel Garcia, who is charged with aggravated kidnapping.
