A preliminary hearing is underway for the alleged gunman in the Jesus Avila murder from over five years ago.
Samuel Garcia faces charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, arson and interference with law enforcement in Avila’s death. In prior testimony, several co-defendants have said Garcia was the gunman.
Early testimony Monday included recollections from landowner Dan Fruit, who says he saw a burned-out car near Roads 160 and T in early September 2017 before calling law enforcement, and from Lyon County Detective Travis Mishler, who says he observed a car registered to Avila’s father that was completely burned — Avila’s body inside with two bullet fragments removed later.
Garcia is among several co-defendants, all charged with first-degree murder and other counts, who have court proceedings ongoing at this time:
*Jordy Cornejo-Campoverde has a status hearing at 2 pm Thursday.
*Andrew Granado and Jovan Pecina have status hearings Nov. 18
*Alan Alanis has trial ahead either in December or February.
Another co-defendant, Armando Nunez, pleaded no contest to attempted burglary, criminal damage and interference with law enforcement in May. He was sentenced to nearly four years in prison.
Garcia’s hearing is set to continue through at least Tuesday.
