Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Opening Statements Begin In Turnpike Murders Trial

WEST PALM BEACH (CBS4) ―Jose Luis Escobedo, his wife Yessica, and their sons Luis Damian, 3, and Luis Julian, 4, were found dead October 13th, 2006 off a stretch of highway near Port St. Lucie. They had all been shot to death.

According to St. Lucie County Sheriff's investigators, Escobedo and his brother Jose Manuel Escobedo were part of a massive drug trade operation and Sanchez and Troya worked for them.

Court documents show the family was killed "to eliminate these victims as possible witnesses" against others in the drug organization.

Troya and Sanchez are charged with armed carjacking resulting in deaths, conspiracy, weapons counts and drug offenses. Both face the death penalty if convicted.

Two others, Danny Varela and Liana Lopez, are also on trial in the same case for drug conspiracy and weapons charges. They face up to life in prison.

All have pleaded not guilty.

Source : CBS Broadcasting

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