Trial set for last accused gunman in execution of Colorado Springs teens
One of the last remaining suspects in the execution of two Colorado Springs teenagers is indicating that he’ll take his case to trial, unlike multiple other suspects connected to the killings.
Marco Garcia-Bravo is accused of pulling the trigger on 15-year-old Derek Greer shortly after Greer’s friend, Natalie Partida, was executed. He appeared in court Thursday for a hearing, but he didn’t offer to plead guilty like the other suspects in the case. His trial is set for July 8.
The death penalty is still on the table for Garcia-Bravo, and the potential punishment was debated during Thursday’s hearing.
The other gunman, Diego Chacon, pled guilty earlier this month and will serve at least 65 years in prison.
Chacon copped to two counts of second-degree murder Monday and admitted to shooting the 16-year-old Partida before another person killed Greer on March 12, 2017.
During the hearing Thursday, defense attorneys and prosecutors argued about what evidence should be allowed and whether or not his school records, mental health records, and medical background should be included.
According to arrest affidavits, Greer and Partida were fatally shot in an “execution position” because of an alleged theft by Partida. Read the timeline of events HERE.
Another person who pleaded guilty to murder, Gustavo Marquez, admitted he helped lure the teens into the situation, and said he, Garcia-Bravo, and Chacon all drove out to the location on Old Pueblo Road, where the two were shot. Marquez claims he stood by as Chacon shot Partida, and Garcia-Bravo shot Greer.
Alexandra Romero, another suspect, told investigators that she believed Chacon’s role was to murder Partida, because he was carrying the only gun, and that Marquez was the kidnapper, because he was the only person that could get Partida in the car with them.
Chacon will be sentenced on Jan. 23 and faces a stipulated sentence of 65 years in prison.
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One of the suspects accused of murder in the deaths of two Colorado Springs teenagers pleaded guilty to lesser charges Monday at the El Paso County Courthouse.
Gustavo Marquez and Alexandra Romero faced first-degree murder charges for the deaths of 16-year-old Natalie Partida and 15-year-old Derek Greer on March 12, 2017 near exit 123 off Interstate 25. Ten people were charged with a variety of crimes in connection with the killings.
Marquez pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder Monday. He will face 16-19 years in prison for each count, though sentencing will take place on August 6. He also plans on testify against others in the case.
In court, the judge said the sentences for the two charges will run back to back, meaning Marquez will spend a minimum of 32 years in prison for the crimes.
Romero was scheduled to be arraigned Monday, but that was reset for 3 p.m. April 30.
According to arrest affidavits, Greer and Partida were fatally shot in an “execution position.” Two other men, Diego Chacon and Marco Garcia-Bravo, are the accused triggermen. In court on Monday, Marquez admitted he helped lure the teens into the situation, and said he, Garcia-Bravo, and Chacon all drove out to the location on Old Pueblo Road, where the two were shot. Marquez claims he stood by as Chacon shot Partida, and Garcia-Bravo shot Greer.
Romero told investigators that she believed Chacon’s role was to murder Partida, because he was carrying the only gun and that Marquez was the kidnapper, because he was the only person that could get Partida in the car with them.
Romero told police that Partida was the intended target and that Greer was only murdered because he was present.
Court documents say Marquez gave details about what happened the night Greer and Partida were shot. The incident may have stemmed from Partida allegedly taking a purse from someone at a party. Read the timeline of events HERE.
