It’s been one month since the murder of Keith Castro, and in court today one of the men implicated in his death has finally answered to the charges against him.
Thomas Taitano was arrested days following the death of Keith Castro who was beat and shot at a home in Yigo on July 28. While Taitano is not the gunman in the case, he stands accused of striking Castro with a baton, continuing his assault on the victim while Castro attempted to flee. In court this afternoon, Taitano who is represented by attorney William Pole, maintained his innocence.
“We plead not guilty, we waive a reading of the indictment, waive speedy trial, ask for all statutory discovery, jury of 12, we already received the grand jury disc your honor,” Pole said.
Taitano’s arraignment hearing had been continued as legal counsel withdrew, citing conflict of interest. It was also indicated that the assigned judge, Alberto Lamorena, has recused himself from the case.
Meanwhile, the alleged gunman, Joshua Palacios, pled not guilty to the charges that he shot Castro in the torso causing his death.
The next hearing is Sept. 23 before Judge Vernon Perez.
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