Murder suspects could be released from jail
By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER
Lawyers are taking steps to have two suspects in the December 2013 slaying of Russell Martens freed from jail.
Last week, 421st Judicial District Judge Todd Blomerth entered an order reducing the bond on Pedro Lucio from $500,000 to $50,000, after Lucio’s attorney filed documents suggesting it was unjust for L
ucio to remain in custody.
The order imposes strict conditions in the event of Lucio’s release, including a GPS ankle monitor and daily contact with the Pretrial Services arm of the Caldwell County probation department. The attorney for a second suspect, Trey Hopes, filed similar paperwork on Monday.
Hopes’ attorney’s filing suggests he intends to ask the judge to approve his client for a personal bond, rather than the cash-or-surety requirement on Lucio’s bond reduction, because, though the defendant has familial connections, he does not have the resources to post a cash bond.
The basis of the argument for release stems from a legal requirement which essentially demands a defendant be charged within 90 days of arrest
Lucio, along with a third suspect, Louis Holt, was arrested on Dec. 7, 2013, while Hopes, according to earlier coverage of this story, turned himself in on Dec. 12.
The Caldwell County Grand Jury entered indictments on the charge of Capital Murder against the trio on March 26, 2014. All three have been in custody, with bond set at $500,000, since their arrest.
Although Lucio’s bond was reduced last week, he remained in custody at press time. A date had not been set for the Judge to hear arguments regarding Hopes’ bond. Holt’s attorney has not filed a request for a bond reduction.
Caldwell County District Attorney Trey Hicks declined comment on the matter.
Follow developments on this story online at www.post-register.com.
This is a tragedy to even think about letting these three see anything more than a jail cell the rest of there lives is invocable! To further let the friends and family and memories included that the murders have anything like freedom is a kick in the teeth for the ones that just want those three to pay for what they did that night. That they some how manage to work the system to see the world anywhere that is not restricted by a fence and razor wire just is inconceivable. The system has failed this family on every level on peace Justice and puts to a halt the healing that they have been forced to go threw. Not only is this open and shut and more than two year’s of not just a daily reminder but to give freedom in any way shows the protect and serve no more than a joke and the courts care no more than another case close next! I think they think different had it been one of there kids,brother,father, friend or family member.