Author Topic: Trial ahead in murder of Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega  (Read 656 times)

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Trial ahead in murder of Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega
« on: May 14, 2018, 12:38:28 pm »
Valley Star May 12, 2018 By ED ASHER



Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega was fishing for gar with his family at their favorite spot near Santa Monica.

But the family outing turned deadly when two would-be robbers approached him, his wife, children and parents, according to police.

Vega, a La Feria native, was drawing his gun when he was shot in the chest.

That was almost four years ago — Aug. 3, 2014.

Now, the first of two men accused of gunning him down is set to go on trial beginning tomorrow. Charged with capital murder and attempted capital murder, Gustavo Tijerina-Sandoval faces the death penalty if convicted.

The jury has already been selected. If the defense has its way, jurors will be sequestered.

That means they would stay together throughout the trial, even after hours.

At the end of each day, they would be taken to a bus, which would take them to a hotel for the night.

State District Judge Migdalia Lopez hasn’t yet ruled on that defense motion.

But she has granted a defense motion requiring all law enforcement personnel to wear civilian clothing when testifying and barring them from wearing sidearms in the courtroom.

Tijerina, 34, of La Villa, will be allowed to wear civilian clothing for court appearances and won’t be shackled or otherwise restrained.

The defense wanted to bar prosecutors from wearing law enforcement lapel pins in court. But Lopez denied that motion.

More: http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/trial-ahead-in-murder-of-border-patrol-agent-javier-vega/article_6d1bdafa-5652-11e8-ae04-4fe60f05881d.html