Judge orders teens to explain missing trial

Subpoenaed pair didn’t show up to testify in Vega case

FAYETTEVILLE — A judge has ordered two Springdale teens who didn’t show up to testify at a recent attempted murder trial to appear before her and explain why they shouldn’t be held in contempt of court.

Bryan Ramirez and Antonio Martinez were subpoenaed to testify at the trial of Hector Vega, who shot 16-year-old Joseph Garcia while Garcia was riding his bicycle in Springdale. Garcia suffered injuries to his left hand and left leg.

Vega, 21, was found guilty earlier this month of attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by certain persons, both felonies.

The shooting came less than five minutes after Vega and Jose Yanez, 18, of Rogers were involved in an altercation with six rival gang members at a nearby Kum & Go convenience store, 1010 N. Thompson St., according to police.

Vega is an admitted member of the Wicked Brown Suspects. The rival gang members were Termite Loco Savages, according to prosecutors.

Police believe Ramirez and Martinez were involved in the altercation with Vega and Yanez at the Kum & Go.

Washington County Circuit Judge Joanna Taylor ordered Ramirez and Martinez to appear in her court Tuesday. Taylor could impose civil sanctions on the pair, including jail time or fines.

Taylor followed the jury’s recommendation and sentenced Vega to 55 years in prison. Vega also was ordered to pay a $7,000 fine.

Yanez is awaiting trial.

Yanez