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Massage parlor murder trial begins
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Posted on Mar 21 2001
Lawyers began cranking up their cases before a jury yesterday, in a race to prove defendant Jeffrey T. Deleon Guerrero’s innocence or alleged involvement in the February 2000 slaying of Chinese businessman Zhou Rong.
The victim, Mr. Rong, was found dead inside the Yellow House Massage Parlor in San Jose that he owned, swimming in a pool of his own blood.
Both prosecution and defense panels reminded members of the jury to keep an open mind about the sets of evidence to be presented before them in the course of the murder trial.
In an opening statement, Asst. Atty. General Clyde Lemmons described to the jurors the circumstances that led to the victim’s demise that evening.
The government prosecutor narrated of the suffering Mr. Rong endured in the hands of the defendant.
Defense lawyer Joseph Horey, opened his case by arguing that the government has pointed its finger on the wrong individual, citing the line up of suspects as presented to witnesses was unfairly and suggestively done.
According to Mr. Horey, the government lacks concrete evidence such as fingerprints, blood samples, or footprints to prove it was Mr. Deleon Guerrero that killed Mr. Rong.
The defendant facing trial is only one of two suspects wanted for the murder of the Chinese businessman.
“We submit that the reason why the government has not found the second guy is because they have not found the first guy,” the defense lawyer contended.
Meanwhile, the court yesterday started placing on the stand its first set of witnesses to include police officers who were instrumental in investigating the case.
The 25-year-old defendant is charged before the Superior Court of four counts of offenses ranging from first degree murder, second degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery, and burglary. (MM)
