By Nancy Laflin
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — One by one the three people charged with one of New Mexico’s most brutal crimes entered the courtroom Tuesday. Michelle Martens, Jessica Kelley and Fabian Gonzales are accused raping, killing and dismembering 10-year-old Victoria Martens in August 2016.
The judge decided all three will get separate trials. The defense wanted the trials moved out of Albuquerque, but the judge said no. The three separate trials means taxpayers have to pay for all three. The district attorney wouldn’t put a price tag on it but did comment on the cost.
“I hate to be talking about money when it comes to representation in a criminal case but frankly we don’t have any choice,” defense attorney Gary Mitchell said.
Mitchell is representing Victoria’s mother, Michelle Martens. Mitchell said when all is said and done just for Victoria will come with about a $3 million price tag. That estimate includes the costs of jurors, witnesses, and police work and attorney fees. Taxpayers will be forced to pick up the tab.
Attorneys are still hashing out who will go on trial first, the first trial is scheduled to begin in October.
Surveillance video shows Fabian Gonzales attacked in jail
What we know: Victoria Martens killing
Source koat.com
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