Murder or Hire Verdict: After three hours of discussion, a Bexar County jury reached a verdict in the murder-for-hire case. The choice was easy. In 2019, John Cantu was accused of killing Mike Perez. Still, he was convicted of a lesser murder charge instead of receiving the death sentence.
It was a tragic death when Perez was shot on a South Side road. The scary thing was that Cantu might be involved. Christina Rodriguez, his sister-in-law, allegedly paid him to carry out the evil plan to avoid being implicated in drug dealing with a dealer. Cantu could face 5 to 99 years in prison or life. The final sentence will be decided later.
The defense’s case in the murder trial was brief. In 2019, John Cantu was charged with murder for shooting and killing Mike Perez. Perez was found dead on South Side Road. He was shot multiple times. The case’s background was complex. Christina Rodriguez, married to Cantu, allegedly paid him to kill Perez. After Rodriguez’s involvement in helping a drug dealer reduce drugs was discovered, this was done to divert attention from her.
The prosecutor stopped presenting evidence after two and a half days of witness statements for the state. The defense asked Judge Kristina Escalona to consider Carmen Hernandez as a partner. Hernandez was a key witness for the state as he witnessed the wrong deal and the shooting that resulted in Perez’s death.
Judge Escalona postponed her decision on the motion, but she did deny a defense motion to drop certain charges. The defense argued that the state failed to prove that Cantu was paid to commit the murder.
After the formal steps were completed, the defense concluded its case without calling additional witnesses. After the closing remarks, the jury will decide Cantu’s guilt. Cantu will be imprisoned for life with no chance of release if found guilty.
READ MORE: Inside John Cantu Capital Murder Trial: A Legal Battle Unfolds
Our Reader’s Queries
Was Charlie Adelson convicted?
A South Florida dentist, Charlie Adelson, 47, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for orchestrating the murder of a Florida State University professor in 2014. Adelson was convicted last month and was deemed the mastermind behind the crime.
What was the verdict in the dentist trial?
Florida dentist, Charlie Adelson, has been convicted of all charges in the conspiracy to kill his former brother-in-law. A jury found him guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and solicitation to commit murder in the killing of Florida State University law professor Dan Markel.
Who shot Danny Markel?
Markel succumbed to his injuries 14 hours after being shot twice in the head at close range. Detectives linked the shooting to a light green Toyota Prius, rented by the perpetrators – Luis Rivera, a prominent figure in the Latin Kings gang, and his associate, Sigfredo Garcia.
Who is Charles Maund?
48-year-old Erik Charles Maund, previously associated with the Austin-based Maund Automotive Group, has been found guilty of murder-for-hire, which ultimately led to a fatal outcome.