The defendant facing charges related to the death of his friend Brian Cruz, however, was found guilty of aggravated assault. Meanwhile, his co-defendant, Alfredo Castro’s motion for acquittal was granted.
Guam – Jaycee White was found not guilty of manslaughter and negligent homicide in the 2017 death of his friend Brian Cruz. However, the same jury did find him guilty of aggravated assault.
Judge Michael Bordallo ruled in favor of Alfredo Castro whose attorney sought a motion for direct verdict on the charges against Castro. This means the charges of kidnapping and hindering apprehension have been dismissed and Castro is a free man.
The decision is a devastating blow for the victim’s family who was visibly upset as Castro smiled and gave the thumbs up in court this morning.
Opening statements were just made Tuesday and by today, the defense rested their case after one day of witness testimony. Both parties provided closing arguments today.
White, Castro and a third defendant who took a plea deal, Richard Ragadio, were captured on surveillance footage about a year ago walking the streets of Tumon. The video depicts what prosecutors believe to be White delivering the fatal blow that killed Cruz.
The three defendants were then accused of dumping Cruz’s body in the backseat of their car and driving to Linda’s Cafe where the three men were then involved in an unrelated riot.
