Hearing commences for the 2022 fatal shooting, initiated by an argument over excessive speeding.
In Bernalillo County, New Mexico, the trial for Joseph Gonzales is currently underway, with the defendant facing a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the 2022 fatal shooting of Abner Antillon.
According to reports, the incident occurred on a residential street in the South Valley, near Isleta and Blake, when Gonzales, 46, allegedly shot and killed Antillon following an altercation. The shooting was reported to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputies on August 29, 2022, after a 911 call from Gonzales himself.
Marcus Cameron, Gonzales' attorney, claims that his client acted in self-defense during the incident. However, the specifics of the prosecution's case and Gonzales' defense argument remain unclear at this stage.
The trial, presided over by Judge Lucy, started recently, with Assistant District Attorney Emilie Edmonds arguing that Gonzales did not act in self-defense when he shot Antillon.
The charge of first-degree murder requires the prosecution to prove malice aforethought beyond a reasonable doubt. In this case, the details of the prosecution's evidence and Gonzales' defense strategy are yet to be publicly detailed.
The distinction between first-degree and second-degree murder lies in whether the killing was premeditated or intentional without premeditation, respectively, and the presence of malice. Self-defense, if proven, can justify the use of lethal force and negate the murder charge, but these nuances will be revealed through the presentation of evidence at trial.
Prior to the shooting, a video and audio recording from a neighbor's house shows Antillon driving past Gonzales, who then shouted "slow down". After the shooting, Gonzales walked to Antillon's vehicle and appeared to rummage through the front.
Gonzales was acquitted of first-degree murder in Antillon's killing, but the jury failed to reach a verdict on a lesser charge of second-degree murder. The outcome of the ongoing trial will determine the final verdict in this case.
The trial is significant as it follows a month after Gonzales testified in the trial of his brother, Fabian Gonzales, in the death of 10-year-old Victoria Martens. Fabian Gonzales was sentenced to 37 1/2 years in prison in October 2022 after being found guilty of child abuse resulting in death, seven counts of tampering with evidence, and conspiracy.
The trial of Joseph Gonzales for the fatal shooting of Abner Antillon is ongoing, and the public awaits the presentation of evidence to understand whether the shooting was an act of self-defense or an unjustified homicide.
- The ongoing trial of Joseph Gonzales, who is accused of first-degree murder in the 2022 shooting of Abner Antillon, has sparked considerable general-news interest, with the public eagerly awaiting the presentation of evidence to determine whether it was an act of self-defense or an unjustified homicide.
- In the realm of crime-and-justice news, the trial of Joseph Gonzales, charged with the murder of Abner Antillon, is a significant case, as it follows a month after Gonzales testified in the trial of his brother, Fabian Gonzales, who was sentenced for the death of Victoria Martens.
