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Deliberations underway in capital murder trial of Rogelio Martinez

Deliberations underway in capital murder trial of Rogelio Martinez
1 hour 5 minutes 30 seconds ago Thursday, October 08 2026 Oct 8, 2026 October 08, 2026 11:52 AM October 08, 2026 in News - Local
Source: KRGV

Brownsville, TX (KRGV) — A Cameron County jury is deciding whether Rogelio Martinez is guilty of capital murder in the 2023 killing of a San Benito police lieutenant.

Closing arguments ended Thursday morning. The case centers on San Benito Police Lt. Milton Resendez, who was fatally shot during a high-speed chase in Cameron County on Oct. 17, 2023.

READ MORE ABOUT THE CHASE HERE

Prosecutors say Martinez knew he was shooting at a police officer during the chase. They pointed to his recorded interview with investigators, where he admitted firing at officers during the pursuit and argued he was close enough to see Resendez and know he was an officer.

The defense says there is reasonable doubt about who fired the shot that killed Resendez. Defense lawyers also questioned why driver Rodrigo Espinosa-Valdez was never called to testify and pointed to DNA evidence linking him to the gun identified as the murder weapon.

The defense also argued Martinez never intended to kill anyone and that the state failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Jurors can find Martinez guilty of capital murder, murder, or manslaughter, or they can find him not guilty.

If jurors convict Martinez of capital murder, the trial will move to a separate punishment phase. They would then decide whether he gets the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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