Trial begins for man accused of murdering two elderly people
Eduardo Morales
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Opening statements began Thursday evening for 20-year-old Romeo Jay Arellano‘s trial.
Arellano is accused of murdering 82-year-old Manuel Marquez and 79-year-old Patricia Marquez.
The prosecution said Manuel was stabbed at least 18 times, and Patricia was stabbed at least eight times.
Their bodies were found in a closet, and they say they found DNA matching Arellano in different parts of the victim’s home.
They also revealed that when they found Manuel’s stolen truck they found empty shoe boxes and glass cases.
When investigating Arellano’s home they found those items in his possession.
They also found Patricia’s phone on Arellano, and even a video on it of him recording the police investigating the Marquez household.
They say they found blood-stained gloves in the victim’s kitchen, with stains that match injuries police found on Arellano’s hands.
Meanwhile, the defense reminded the jury that, despite whatever they hear, they must be able to believe without a reasonable doubt that Arellano truly committed these crimes.
Arellano faces seven felonies, including two counts of premeditated first-degree murder.
According to court documents, the murders happened five days before the bodies were found on may first.
Arellano’s other charges include burglary in the second degree, theft of means of transportation, taking the identity of another person and theft of a credit card.