New hearing set in murder case

One of the five defendants charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old man will likely have to decide whether to accept a plea offer at his next hearing, or have a trial date set. The shooting happened during a series of home invasions last year.

During a hearing in court on Thursday morning, attorney Michael Donovan requested a 30-day continuance, informing the court that the case may be resolved without having to go to trial because he and the prosecution have resumed plea discussions.

Donovan, who represents Jesus Andres Gonzalez, explained that he and the prosecution had some initial plea negotiations early in the case, but both agreed that it was too soon, based on the status of the cases of several co-defendants.

Now, however, with most of those cases also nearing resolution and a settlement conference being held in his client’s case, Gonzalez and the prosecution have resumed conversations regarding a plea and may be able to come up with one that is reasonable for all parties.

Gonzalez has been charged with a total of 19 felonies, including one count of first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping, one count of attempted endangerment and three counts of burglary, for his alleged role in the crime, which led to the death of Leondre Richards. He has also been charged with eight counts of aggravated assault, three counts of endangerment and one count each of armed robbery and criminal damage. He remains in custody at Yuma County jail.

After hearing from both parties, Superior Court Judge David Haws scheduled a change of plea or trial setting hearing for Gonzalez at 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 6.

Also charged in the case are Juan Pablo Torres, Daniel Castillo, Daniel Contreras and Kerein Hamilton. All five co-defendants are alleged to have committed three home invasions in July looking for drugs and money, with Richards’ murder happening at the third home.

The first home invasion occurred at a house on 20th Avenue, but the suspects, two of whom were armed, fled the scene when the resident pulled his own gun in self-defense. At the second home, which was on 9th Avenue, the suspects allegedly tied up the resident and pistol whipped him before leaving empty-handed.

In the third home invasion in the 1600 block of West 8th Street, police found two victims with gunshot wounds. The male victim, now known to be Richards, was pronounced dead at the scene. A female victim, who is now known to be Richards’ mother, was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center, where she was then flown to Phoenix for further treatment.