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by Paladin
Mon Jan 08, 2007 3:48 pm
Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
Topic: Man cleared of capital murder charges in slayings of two
Replies: 44
Views: 6790

Man cleared of capital murder charges in slayings of two

Don't know much about this one, besides what's in the article.

http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/site/ ... 2588&rfi=6

"Man cleared of capital murder charges in slayings of two teens
By: SARAH MOORE, The Enterprise
01/05/2007
Updated 01/05/2007 11:04:44 PM CST

A Jefferson County Grand Jury was held over from the end of 2006 to complete its investigation of Manuel Garcia, 41, whom Beaumont police arrested on the charges, Jefferson County Assistant District Attorney Ramon Rodriguez said.

Victor Garcia (no relation), 16, and 13-year-old Arturo Borrego were shot late Nov. 10 after arriving at Manuel Garcia's house in the 1400 block of Elgie.

Police said the shooting stemmed from a dispute earlier in the evening between the two slain teens and Manuel Garcia's teenage son.

In a Nov. 15 Enterprise story, defense lawyer Bruce Hoffer said he was told that 14 gang members showed up at the residence, some of them armed with knives and firearms.

Hoffer said the gang is known as B4S, or Barrio 4 Seasons, and preys mainly on other Hispanics.

The grand jury considered evidence presented over the course of three weeks, hearing testimony from witnesses at the home the night of the shooting, Rodriguez said.

He added he had the impression the grand jury believed the shooting was in self-defense.

"They heard all the testimony, and they had all the evidence available to them," Rodriguez said. "They knew the entire range of potential cases that could be brought against him, and they opted not to return an indictment or information (misdemeanor charge) - because they could have done that, too."

Rodriguez said the slain teens' families were bitterly disappointed.

The families could not be reached for comment late Thursday.

Hoffer said the grand jury "did the right thing."

Manuel Garcia and his family were elated that he was cleared of charges.

However, their joy is tempered by death threats made against Manuel Garcia, Hoffer said.

"He's going to have to move," Hoffer said. "He's indicated to me he's going to leave the area."

Garcia, who had been held in the Jefferson County Correctional Facility in lieu of $200,000 in bonds since his November arrest, was released Thursday.

smoore@beaumontenterprise.com"

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