BENTONVILLE -- Attorneys for a man accused of killing his six-year-old son want to delay their client's May jury trial because they need to interview people in California and El Salvador, according to a recently filed court motion.
Mauricio Alejandro Torres, 45, and Cathy Torres, 43, of Bella Vista are charged with capital murder and first-degree battery. They have pleaded not guilty and are being held without bond in the Benton County Jail.
About the case
Mauricio Torres and Cathy Torres of Bella Vista could each be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty if convicted of capital murder. They also are charged with first-degree battery and face from five to 20 years if convicted.
Source: Staff report
Maurice Isaiah Torres was pronounced dead at an area hospital March 29. A medical examiner later determined the boy suffered from chronic child abuse, and his death was from internal injuries caused by rape.
Prosecutors intend to try Mauricio Torres first and seek the death penalty. His trial is scheduled to begin May 6. Jeff Rosenzweig and Bill James, who represent Mauricio Torres, filed a motion Jan. 21 to delay the trial until August.
Cathy Torres' jury trial is scheduled to begin Aug. 22.
A continuance is needed because a background investigation hadn't been completed by Mauricio Torres' previous attorneys, according to the motion. The required investigation involves locating and interviewing people in California and El Salvador.
Rosenzweig and James were appointed to represent Torres in October after his attorneys with the Arkansas Public Defenders Commission asked to be removed from the case.
Prosecutors haven't yet filed a response to the motion to delay the trial. A hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Feb. 29.
Mauricio Torres' attorneys told Circuit Judge Brad Karren at a previous hearing they may not be able to prepare in time for a May trial. Karren said at that hearing the Aug. 22 date could be used for Mauricio Torres' trial instead of his wife's.
NW News on 02/06/2016