Oscar Martinez Trial Day Three

I apologize for the delay in finishing up this trial. As most of you know, my first grandchild, Madison, was born June 27th. We will finish this trial up either today or Wednesday. I will cut to the Karen Read trial should the jury return with their verdict while I'm streaming.

During days one and two we heard testimony from the first responders who arrived on scene, and Jerry Ortiz. It was the rounds fired from Jerry Ortiz's weapon, which was fired 10 times, that took the lives of Christoper Mejia and Enrique Venegas Bocanegra. It was revealed during Mr. Ortiz's testimony that the capital unaliving charges were DROPPED. He faces NO prison time for his actions yet, Oscar Martinez faces significant prison time and allegedly never fired one round. The driver of the SUV, and brother to Christopher Mejia, pleaded guilty and is serving 20 years. We also heard testimony from one of Joshua's brothers, who received an immunity deal from the state a couple of days before testifying.

On February 21, 2022, Oscar Martinez III, then 19, along with Joshua Mejia, then 17, as well as three of Joshua's younger siblings allegedly robbed Jerry Ortiz, then 17, who met them at a convenience store to buy marijuana. Jerry Ortiz was reportedly robbed at gunpoint, he handed over the drugs and his shoes, before Christopher Mejia, 14, emerged from the SUV, tried to take Jerry Ortiz's gun, and was shot by Ortiz.

Christopher Mejia was critically wounded and passed away shortly after that. Enrique Venegas Bocanegra, 66, was in his home making lunch when he was struck by a stray bullet and passed away from his injuries. Both bullets were fired from Jerry Ortiz's gun.

Although Oscar Martinez never fired his gun, the state of Texas originally charged him with capital murder, along with the three other juveniles in the SUV. That would mean life in prison if convicted. Eventually, the charges were reduced to murder, times 2, and aggravated robbery.