Prosecutors show jury surprise photo in teen's murder trial

Julian Martinez poses with victim's family at fundraising event

SAN ANTONIO – As testimony drew to a close Wednesday in the murder trial of Julian Martinez, 18, prosecutors produced a surprising picture.

It shows Martinez posing at a fundraising event with the family of the teenager he is accused of killing.

Martinez is on trial for the shooting death of Amanda Acosta, 17, in March of 2016.

RELATED: Testimony to begin for teen accused of killing another teen on her birthday

 

She was a passenger in an SUV that was leaving a party. She died after a single shot struck her in the back.

The driver of the SUV drove to Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital, where Acosta was pronounced dead on arrival.

“She would still have a slim chance of surviving anything like this,” Dr. William Mc Clain, deputy medical examiner testified.

READ MORE: Teen recalls best friend's dying words

 

Martinez, prosecutors told the jury during opening arguments, was a passenger in a car that was following the SUV in which Acosta was riding when he fired the fatal shot.

Acosta’s best friend testified the day before, Jacqueline Sanchez told the jury, “I heard a shot and Amanda said, ‘I got shot,’ and I told her, ‘Stop playing with me,’” Sanchez said.

Closing arguments are expected Thursday morning before Judge Laura Parker in Felony Impact Court.

--------------------------------------------------------

Don't miss a thing. Get email alerts from KSAT12 today.KSAT12 today.
Get alerted to news events as they happen or sign up for a scheduled news headline email that is delivered right to your inbox. Breaking news, severe weather, daily forecasts, entertainment news, all of the day’s important events to keep you up to date wherever you are.

Sign up today. It's Free.


About the Author:

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.