Judge grants delay in shooting case
The attorney representing the man who allegedly shot his wife in the back of the head was granted another postponement Wednesday so the defense could continue preparing the case.
Mark Antonio Villicana, 40, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count each of attempted second-degree murder and disorderly conduct. He remains in custody at the Yuma County jail on a $500,000 bond.
He appeared with his attorney, Michael Donovan, who asked for the postponement, explaining that he had spoken with the prosecutor and they were both in agreement that additional time was needed.
Donovan also informed the court that it was too soon in the case to request a settlement conference, so a 30-day continuance would give him and the prosecution the additional time they needed.
He added that no plea offer has been made in the case yet.
Yuma County Superior Court Judge Brandon Kinsey, after hearing no opposition from the prosecution, granted Donovan’s request and scheduled Villicana’s next hearing for 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 12.
According to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, on Sept. 13 at about 8:30 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a shooting in the 10100 block of South Typhoon Avenue in the Foothills.
Upon arrival, deputies spoke to Villacana, who allegedly told them that he had shot his wife. She was found in the garage of the home with a single gunshot wound to the head.
She was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center and later flown to a Phoenix-area hospital.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 5396854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.