01/08/09

The trial continued today for a 16 year old Jerome man accused of shooting another man in the face.

David James Markus faces two counts of aggravated battery, one count of aggravated assault as well as one count of aiding and abetting to aggravated battery.

Charges stem from an incident on June 22nd where Markus allegedly shot Diego Aguilar injuring him in the face.

Prosecutors continued to question witnesses this morning. Yesterday prosecutors gave their opening arguments and the defense decided to reserve their opening statement.

Also during questioning by the prosecution, the defense decided not to cross examine some witnesses since they had them subpoenaed for a later time.

The defense began questioning witnesses this afternoon, and court officials say they expect the case to wrap up sometime tomorrow.

Meanwhile, two local court cases have taken an abrupt about face.

In Burley, 23-year old Miguel Castillo changed his plea to 'guilty' in a hit-and-run accident last august that sent a mother and her baby to the hospital.

Castillo was charged with leaving the scene of an injury accident and reckless driving. Castillo was scheduled to go on trial next Tuesday.

In Twin Falls Fifth District Court, 28-year old James Naranjo, who was originally charged with first degree murder, has pled guilty to second degree murder.

Naranjo is charged with killing 29-year old Vincente Gonzalez at his home on fourth avenue west in late may 2007.

Three other men were convicted of accessory to murder in the case. Naranjo will be sentenced on February 26th.

It's believed prosecutors will ask he serve no less than a 21-year indeterminate prison sentence.