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Thread: Samuel Enrique Lopez Sentenced to LWOP in 2020 TX Multiple Slayings

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    Administrator Helen's Avatar
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    Samuel Enrique Lopez Sentenced to LWOP in 2020 TX Multiple Slayings







    Records reveal grisly details in Laredo capital murder case involving family of four

    By Cesar Rodriguez
    LMT News


    The man accused of a quadruple homicide allegedly stabbed three members of a family to death before suffocating the 2-year-old boy to death and dumping his body him at an empty lot by the El Eden Recreation Center, according to an arrest affidavit.

    Authorities have also identified the family whose bodies were discovered by Vanessita Court and Masterson Road in south Laredo.

    The victims were Zayra Marlen Fuentes, 33, Lesly Sarahy Hernandez, 18, Pedro Cruz, 12, and Julian Saracho, 2.

    “The Laredo Police Department would like to extend its most sincere condolences to the family of the four victims. A tragic loss of this magnitude is deeply felt throughout our entire community. The Laredo Police Department will forge ahead with this investigation and render justice for the victims and closure for the grieving family,” said LPD Chief Claudio Treviño Jr. in a statement

    Samuel Enrique Lopez, 20, was arrested in connection with the case. He remains behind bars at the Webb County Jail facing charges of capital murder of multiple persons and capital murder of a person younger than 10 years old.

    Magistrate records show attorney Javier Guzman is representing Lopez.

    “I was appointed by the court to represent Mr. Lopez. I haven’t reviewed any of the evidence in the case yet, so it’s too early for anybody to be making assumptions,” he said.

    Guzman added, “People need to remember that Mr. Lopez is presumed innocent, and the State of Texas needs to prove Mr. Lopez’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. I look forward to providing Mr. Lopez with relentless representation.”

    Unknown call

    On April 16, police responded to an “unknown traffic call” in the 4500 block of Vanessita. Officers discovered blood inside the residence and noticed that the residing family was missing.

    A search of the area yielded three bodies in the rear empty lot of the residence. One body was wrapped in a blanket and covered in rocks while the other two were also found wrapped in blankets under a piece of plywood and old tire, states the affidavit.

    Police would identify the victims as Fuentes, Hernandez and Cruz. The husband of Fuentes and stepfather to Hernandez and Cruz stated that Hernandez was dating Lopez out of the 4500 block of Santa Inez Lane. The husband also stated that Lopez had been caught breaking into the residence through a window. Patrol officers were tasked with locating Lopez.

    Meanwhile, a detective recovered surveillance video from the area showing a blue four-door vehicle belonging to Lopez. Police said the vehicle arrived at about 9 p.m. April 13 and left at about 6:24 a.m. April 14. A single person is seen leaving the home and entering the residence. That same person was seen carrying a heavy object and putting it in the car.

    Detectives discovered blood splatter inside the residence bathroom and in the hallway leading into the master bedroom, where authorities documented a bloody shoe print.

    Trail of blood

    A trail of blood led to where the bodies were discovered, according to police.

    Investigators went to the 4500 block of Santa Inez, where they spoke to the father of Lopez. He allowed authorities to search the home. Police said they found Hernandez’s driver’s license and IBC debit card, a credit card and bank account information in a dresser. Detectives also discovered a pair of shoes with a possible small amount of blood inside the closet.

    Once detained, Lopez allegedly agreed to speak to authorities. Lopez stated he had gone to his ex-girlfriend’s residence in the 4500 block of Vanessita.

    “Samuel Enrique Lopez then confessed in the stabbing deaths of his ex-girlfriend Lesly Hernandez, her younger brother Pedro Cruz and their mother Zayra Marlen Fuentes at their residence located at (the 4500 block of
    Vanessita Court). It was also learned during the interview that Lopez confessed to taking the 2-year-old, Julian Saracho, with him to his residence at 4505 Santa Inez, where he kept the child until approximately 10 p.m. He then took the child with him to another location by 4700 Arias, where he then suffocated Julian Saracho causing his death,” states the affidavit.

    Lopez then placed Saracho in trash bags and dumped him in an empty lot located in the residential neighborhood.

    A cadaver dog was requested to the scene. Authorities said the dog alerted to a recycling bin in the 4500 block of Santa Inez. A trash bag contained black bloody clothing. Another bag contained several purses with identification cards belonging to Fuentes and Hernandez.

    Lopez first stated he had given Saracho to a homeless woman.

    “He then eventually confessed to killing Julian Saracho and disposing of the body in the empty located by El Eden Recreation Center. He agreed to show (detectives) where the body was located. The body was located by 4700 block of Arias wrapped in a trash bag. The body had cleared tape covering the nose and mouth,” states the affidavit.

    Investigators said they did locate three rolls of clear tape in Lopez’s room.

    https://www.lmtonline.com/local/crim...l-15216782.php
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Man indicted by grand jury for capital murder of Laredo family

    By KRGV News

    A man accused of murdering a Laredo family was indicted for capital murder by a grand jury on Thursday.

    Samuel Enrique Lopez allegedly murdered a family of four on April 13. He was charged for capital murder of multiple persons, capital murder of person under 10 years of age, injury to a child with intent to cause serious bodily injury and aggravated sexual assault of a child.

    On April 16, Laredo police received a call from the husband of Zayra Martin-Fuentes. He had returned home from out-of-town and was concerned his family was missing.

    Officers began to investigate the residence on the 4500 block of Vanessita Court. Authorities noticed blood stains in a bedroom and the kitchen that were attempted to be cleaned with bleach.

    Upon investigating the backyard and field behind the home, three bodies were located. The bodies were identified as Martin-Fuentes, her 18-year-old daughter and eldest son who was 12 years old.

    Investigators identified Lopez as a person of interest and brought him in for questioning. He confessed to investigators he killed the family and told them he dumped the body of the 2-year-old at a different location.

    The case led investigators to a site near 4700 block of Arias where the body of the toddler was located.

    https://www.krgv.com/news/man-indict...laredo-family/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT

    Records reveal details in Laredo capital murder case involving death of 2 year old, family of 4

    By César Rodríguez
    Laredo Morning Times

    An indictment filed against a young man accused of killing a family of four in mid-April revealed details of what the suspect allegedly did to the 2-year-old boy.

    Samuel Enrique Lopez, 20, sexually assaulted Julian Saracho, 2, with a blunt object according to the indictment filed on Thursday.

    Records state Lopez also punched, hit and suffocated the child by covering his mouth and nose with duct tape. No other information was available.

    Furthermore, Lopez is also accused of fatally stabbing Zayra Marlen Fuentes, 33, Lesly Sarahy Hernandez, 18, and Pedro Cruz, 12, using a sharp object.

    A grand jury in the 406th District Court rendered a “true bill” charging Lopez with capital murder of multiple persons, capital murder of a person younger than 10 years old, injury to a child with intent to cause serious bodily injury and aggravated sexual assault of a child.

    District Attorney Isidro R. “Chilo” Alaniz declined to comment on the case but he did say his office will seek the death penalty.

    Julian Saracho Sr. reported to police that the last day he spoke with his wife, Fuentes, was on April 13. Saracho asked family members to check on his family, but no one was home.

    Saracho arrived in Laredo on April 16. Authorities said his wife, his two stepchildren and biological son were missing. He then called the police.

    Officers searched the house in the 4500 block of Vanessita Court and noticed blood stains in one of the bedrooms and blood stains in the kitchen that were attempted to be cleaned with bleach, according to the DA’s office.

    A search of the area yielded three bodies in the rear empty lot of the residence. An arrest affidavit states that one body was wrapped in a blanket and covered in rocks while the other two were also found wrapped in blankets under a piece of plywood and old tire.

    Police said a trail of blood led to where the bodies were discovered. Authorities would identify the bodies as Fuentes, Hernandez and Cruz. Investigators learned that Hernandez was dating Lopez out of the 4500 block of Santa Inez.

    Authorities detained Lopez. He allegedly agreed to talk to investigators.

    “Samuel Enrique Lopez then confessed in the stabbing deaths of his ex-girlfriend Lesly Hernandez, her younger brother Pedro Cruz and their mother Zayra Marlen Fuentes at their residence located at (the 4500 block of Vanessita Court). It was also learned during the interview that Lopez confessed to taking the 2-year-old, Julian Saracho, with him to his residence at 4505 Santa Inez, where he kept the child until approximately 10 p.m. He then took the child with him to another location by 4700 Arias, where he then suffocated Julian Saracho causing his death,” states the affidavit.

    Lopez allegedly placed Saracho in trash bags and dumped him in an empty lot located in the residential neighborhood.

    https://www.lmtonline.com/news/artic...y-15401477.php
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Man accused of killing family of four files motions in court

    Samuel Enrique Lopez's attorney files motions , including those relating to the death penalty

    By KGNS News

    LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) -The man accused of killing a family of four earlier this year files several motions in court, including those relating to the death penalty.

    Samuel Enrique Lopez, 20 is facing a slew of charges including capital murder of multiple people.

    According to the Webb County Court docket, Lopez’s attorney filed motions on the following: subpoena to have the medical examiner produce documents in court, preclude the death penalty as a sentencing option, have a pretrial hearing and allow Lopez to wear civilian clothes if approved and to preclude Lopez from being shackled in public are just a few of the motions filed in the more than 15 listed in the docket.

    Court documents state that Lopez was behind the deaths of 33-year-old Zayra Martin-Fuentes,18-year-old Lesly Zarahy Hernandez, 12-year-old Pedro Cruz, and two-year-old Julian Saraco on April 14th.

    https://www.kgns.tv/2020/07/20/man-a...ions-in-court/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    DA can move forward with death penalty for quadruple murder

    LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A state judge has denied a request from defense attorneys for Samuel Enrique Lopez to keep prosecutors from seeking the death penalty.

    Lopez is being tried for allegedly killing four people including a two year old child in April of this year.

    The decision was reached by Judge OJ Hale on Thursday.

    Defense lawyers tried to convince the court that due to the COVID-19 pandemic they have been unable to adequately defend Lopez.

    They say they have not been allowed to see Lopez face to face and are concerned that evidence may have been lost.

    However, the court disagreed saying no evidence exists that happened, and that Lopez’ rights have not been violated.

    As a result of the decision, the DA’s Office can move forward in seeking the death penalty.

    The next hearing date for Lopez is scheduled for next month.

    https://www.kgns.tv/2020/12/18/da-ca...druple-murder/
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    Prosecutors, attorneys in Laredo capital murder case meet

    Prosecutors and defense attorneys met on Thursday in the capital murder case of the Laredo man accused of killing a family of four in April 2020.

    Samuel Enrique Lopez, 20, is accused of fatally stabbing Zayra Marlén Fuentes, 33; Lesly Sarahy Hernandez, 18; and Pedro Cruz, 12. He also allegedly sexually assaulted Julian Saracho, 2, with a blunt object according to the indictment filed in early-May.

    Records state Lopez also punched, hit and suffocated the child by covering his mouth and nose with duct tape.

    The Webb County District Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty.

    In early February, defense attorneys filed a motion to request exculpatory and/or inconsistent evidence after an October hearing where Webb County Jail Commander Shane Sowell produced documented communications between himself and the DA’s office.

    During the hearing on Thursday, prosecutors argued that defense attorneys published their motion with incomplete communications between Sowell and prosecutors.

    “We anticipated this might become an issue at the hearing last October when Sowell was subpoenaed by defense,” Webb County Assistant District Attorney Amber Holmes said. “We did file a motion to quash at that point, but the motion was denied.”

    406th Judge Oscar J. Hale Jr. reviewed the documents and determined that there was nothing privileged within those documents and that defense should be allowed to view them.

    Prosecutors added that defense’s motion was filed with incomplete information “simply to create the appearance of impropriety” adding that it was an incomplete and one-sided reflection of a conversation.

    District Attorney Isidro Alaniz told the court that defense attorneys have not provided a basis or justified why they want to see the complete communication between Sowell and the DA’s office.

    “They should not be allowed to create the appearance of impropriety for down the road by using one-sided communication of a work product,” Alaniz said.

    Defense attorneys argued that the documents attached to the communication published in their motion was reviewed by the court.

    “All we did was attach the documents that this court looked at and said they didn’t see a problem with the documents and overruled (prosecutors’) objections and made it part of the record,” Defense Attorney Sid Arismendez said.

    Prosecutors requested the court make the communication ex parte and keep it under seal because they consider the communications privileged under a work product rule in Texas law.

    Hale told both parties that he will rule on the state’s motion at a later time.

    The case


    Last April, Julian Saracho Sr. reported to police that the last day he spoke with his wife, Fuentes, was on April 13. Saracho asked family members to check on his family, but no one was home.

    Saracho arrived in Laredo on April 16. Authorities said his wife, his 2 stepchildren and his biological son were missing. He then called the police.

    Officers searched the house in the 4500 block of Vanessita Court and noticed blood stains in one of the bedrooms and blood stains in the kitchen that were attempted to be cleaned with bleach, according to the DA’s office.

    A search of the area yielded 3 bodies in the rear empty lot of the residence. An arrest affidavit states that 1 body was wrapped in a blanket and covered in rocks while the other 2 were also found wrapped in blankets under a piece of plywood and an old tire.

    Police said a trail of blood led to where the bodies were discovered. Authorities would identify the bodies as Fuentes, Hernandez and Cruz. Investigators learned that Hernandez was dating Lopez out of the 4500 block of Santa Inez.

    Authorities detained Lopez. He allegedly agreed to talk to investigators.

    “Samuel Enrique Lopez then confessed in the stabbing deaths of his ex-girlfriend Lesly Hernandez, her younger brother Pedro Cruz and their mother Zayra Marlen Fuentes at their residence located at (the 4500 block of Vanessita Court). It was also learned during the interview that Lopez confessed to taking the 2-year-old, Julian Saracho, with him to his residence at 4505 Santa Inez, where he kept the child until approximately 10 p.m. He then took the child with him to another location by 4700 Arias, where he then suffocated Julian Saracho causing his death,” states the affidavit.

    Lopez allegedly placed Saracho in trash bags and dumped him in an empty lot located in the residential neighborhood.

    A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for June 3 in the 406th District Court.

    (source: lmtonline.com)
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Sealed orders published in Laredo capital murder case

    After much discussion during a hearing earlier this month, 406th District Court Judge Oscar J. Hale published sealed orders on two motions filed by both defense attorneys and prosecutors in the capital murder case of the Laredo man accused of killing a family of four in April 2020.

    Samuel Enrique Lopez, 20, is accused of fatally stabbing Zayra Marlén Fuentes, 33; Lesly Sarahy Hernandez, 18; and Pedro Cruz, 12. He also allegedly sexually assaulted Julian Saracho, 2, with a blunt object according to the indictment filed in early May. Records state Lopez also punched, hit and suffocated the child by covering his mouth and nose with duct tape.

    The Webb County District Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty.

    During a hearing on March 4, prosecutors argued that defense attorneys published their motion for exculpatory evidence with incomplete information between Webb County Jail Commander Shane Sowell and prosecutors.

    In early February, defense attorneys filed a motion to request exculpatory and/or inconsistent evidence after an October hearing where Sowell produced documented communications between himself and the DA’s office.

    “In short, the duty to disclose is not limited to prosecutors but embraces all members of the ‘prosecution team,’ which includes all law enforcement officers who have worked on the case and thereby contributed to the prosecutorial effort,” the defense motion states.

    Prosecutors filed a motion to quash but it was denied by Hale. Prosecutors added that the defense’s subpoena was filed with incomplete information “simply to create the appearance of impropriety” adding that it was an incomplete and one-sided reflection of a conversation.

    Before the March 4 hearing, prosecutors filed a motion to quash the defense’s subpoena of documents from Sowell.

    Their motion states that the defense’s subpoena is broad, it would require production of work product and the time given to comply was unreasonable.

    District Attorney Isidro Alaniz told the court that defense attorneys have not provided a basis or justified why they want to see the complete communication between Sowell and the DA’s office.

    “They should not be allowed to create the appearance of impropriety for down the road by using one-sided communication of a work product,” Alaniz said.

    Defense attorneys argued that the documents attached to the communication published in their motion was reviewed by the court.

    “All we did was attach the documents that this court looked at and said they didn’t see a problem with the documents and overruled (prosecutors’) objections and made it part of the record,” Defense Attorney Sid Arismendez said.

    Prosecutors requested the court make the communication ex parte and keep it under seal because they consider the communications privileged under a work product rule in Texas law.

    According to online court records, there are three sealed orders signed by Hale on two sealed motions filed by attorneys. It is unclear what the orders state.

    There is a pre-trial hearing scheduled for June 3 in the 406th District Court.

    https://www.lmtonline.com/insider/ar...e-16042491.php
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Two capital murder cases scheduled for this week in Laredo court

    By Marie Salas
    Laredo Morning Times

    Two capital murder and three murder cases are scheduled for hearings this week in the 406th District Court.

    Samuel Enrique Lopez, 21, is scheduled for a motions hearing in the 406th District Court on Wednesday.

    During a hearing on March 4, prosecutors argued that defense attorneys published their motion for exculpatory evidence with incomplete information between Webb County Jail Commander Shane Sowell and prosecutors.

    Lopez allegedly sexually assaulted Julian Saracho, 2, with a blunt object according to the indictment filed in early May. Records state Lopez also punched, hit and suffocated the child by covering his mouth and nose with duct tape.
    <section>
    </section>Furthermore, Lopez is also accused of fatally stabbing Zayra Marlen Fuentes, 33; Lesly Sarahy Hernandez, 18; and Pedro Cruz, 12.

    Juan David Ortiz, 37, is scheduled for a status hearing with 406th District Court on Thursday. The last time Ortiz appeared in court via Zoom was in January.

    Ortiz, a former Supervisory Border Patrol agent, is charged with one count of capital murder of multiple persons, one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of unlawful restraint and one count of evading arrest. The Webb County district attorney is seeking the death penalty.

    https://www.lmtonline.com/news/artic...r-16182184.php
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  9. #9
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    Edited:

    Defense asks for body to be exhumed in Laredo capital murder case

    By Marie Salas
    Laredo Morning Times

    In April, defense attorneys for the man accused of killing a family of four last year filed a motion requesting a body be exhumed.

    Kimberly Gonzalez, Lopez’s attorney, filed a motion for disinterment, or exhumation, of a body on April 21 stating that the defense team has come to the conclusion that Webb County Medical Examiner Dr. Corinne Stern’s findings are flawed and unreliable.

    Federal regulation states that removal of a remains is allowed only for the most compelling reasons and must be done under the supervision of an authorized representative.

    “Dr. Stern completed her examination on April 17, 2020, as is documented in her report …,” the motion states. “In her report, Dr. Stern documented a laceration of the liver, as well as a contusion and lacerations of the anus. Dr. Stern listed the death as a homicide, having been caused by asphyxiation. The body was then released from the office of the medical examiner for purposes of interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.”

    The motion adds that defense counsel has retained a doctor who is an expert in the field of forensic pathology to review the autopsy and alleged findings of Stern.

    “It has been determined by said expert that the laceration to the liver that was alleged by (Medical Examiner) Stern occurred post-mortem and was likely caused by the ME herself when she conducted the autopsy,” the motion states. “Additionally there was no finding of anal trauma in his review of the photographs and documentation of the autopsy.”

    Defense attorneys add in the motion that during their investigation into the autopsy, they learned that Stern “has made false and unreliable findings in past autopsies.”

    “It is well documented that in at least one case where ME Stern performed the autopsy, the State of Alabama pursued capital murder charges on an individual based on her documented findings,” the motion states. “After further review, it was determined that those findings were incorrect and subsequently overturned. Those charges were dismissed after that accused individual spent several months incarcerated for a crime she did not commit.”

    In this capital murder case, the state is alleging charges against Lopez based on Stern’s findings, the motion states.

    “The harm that Mr. Lopez could face would be irreparable should the jury be allowed to make decisions based on faulty, unsubstantiated or fabricated evidence,” the motion states. “Dr. Stern’s findings appear to be contrary to the physical evidence in this case.”

    The motions hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in the 406th District Court.

    https://www.lmtonline.com/insider/ar...d-16185306.php
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Laredo judge denies motion to exhume body in capital punishment case

    By Marie Salas
    Laredo Morning Times

    During Wednesday’s hearing in the capital punishment case against Samuel Enrique Lopez, 21, 406th District Court Judge Oscar J. Hale Jr. denied defense’s motion to exhume a body.

    Hale found that Lopez’s constitutional rights were not being denied based on the fact that Webb County Medical Examiner Dr. Corinne Stern and the state’s evidence has been provided to the defense.

    On April 21, Kimberly Gonzalez, Lopez’s attorney, filed a motion for disinterment of a body stating that the defense team has come to the conclusion that Webb County Medical Examiner Dr. Corinne Stern’s findings are flawed and unreliable.

    The motion adds that defense counsel has retained a doctor who is an expert in the field of forensic pathology to review the autopsy and alleged findings of Dr. Stern. Defense attorneys state that during their investigation into the autopsy, they learned that Stern “has made false and unreliable findings in past autopsies.”

    In the state’s response, prosecutors add that defense fails to make a clear argument on the necessity to justify an exhumation.

    “The proposed expert does not support the motion to exhume by any evidence: there is no affidavit, report or any other expert evidence supporting the motion,” prosecutors state.

    Instead, the defense’s motion is supported by the bare assertion of defense counsel, along with a transcript from an Alabama prosecution that happened in 2007 in which Stern made a mistake in an autopsy in a case that is unrelated to Lopez’s.

    “The defendant has submitted no evidence that his proposed witness is qualified to perform a forensic pathological examination upon the decedent,” the response states. “Nor has he proven that it is even possible to conduct such an examination in the first place, given that the victim’s death occurred 13 months ago.”

    Hale further found that the defense did not show a necessity for the exhumation or that it was absolutely essential to provide an effective defense.

    Prosecutors add that they cannot prove that the exhumation is imperatively demanded under the circumstances and is necessary for the administration of justice.

    Federal regulation states that removal of a remains is allowed only for the most compelling reasons and must be done under the supervision of an authorized representative.

    “Rather, the defendant must prove that the proposed exhumation is the only practical way to obtain the evidence he seeks,” the response states.

    Lopez was arrested in April 2020 in connection to the deaths of Zayra Marlen Fuentes, 33; Lesly Sarahy Hernandez, 18; Pedro Cruz, 12; and Julian Saracho, 2.

    Lopez is charged with two counts of capital murder, one count of injury to a child and one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child. Webb County District Attorney Isidro Alaniz is seeking the death penalty.

    A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for June 3 in the 406th District Court.

    https://www.lmtonline.com/insider/ar...n-16191017.php
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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