Detailed evidence of bruises, text messages with violent graphic threats result in 21 year old being held to answer on all charges

Jose Antonio Cruz Jr aka Jose Cruz was arrested by HCSO on August 23, 2024. The criminal threats, kidnapping and domestic abuse suspect has various aliases. In that original post, I listed many details and his court record. Since then there have been various continuances. When he was arrested, he was 20 years old. His 21st birthday was in June 2024.

On 7/18, I am glad Judge Kaleb Cockrum denied yet another continuance by Mr. Mario Tafur. It was a two day preliminary hearing.

When you read the court minutes and see the exhibits and photo evidence which includes details of bruising, text messages including graphic, violent threats, it is no surprise that Judge Cockrum held Cruz to answer on all 12 counts and all special allegations.

Deputy District Attorney Candace Myers is the prosecutor. Cruz has another domestic violence which is trailing. This is one of those cases I will follow, add updates to this post and a new post will only be a significant develpoment or final resolution. I hope the DA and defense can agree to a plea instead of wasting everyone's time, especially court resources to go to trial.

8/27: Arraignment on information +motion hearing to consolidate was continued by defense to 9/4 for possible resolution discussions. An intervention hearing was scheduled for 8/29. There are no intervention minutes in e court. Cruz' other 2023 domestic violence case is trailing and also on calendar for 9/4.

9/4: From court minutes, it looks like arraignment on information was vacated in one case. Motion to consolidate and confirmation of counsel scheduled for  9/5. Readiness Conference on 11/19 and jury trial scheduled for 12/2/24.

9/5: Motion to consolidate continued by defense to 9/20. Confirmation of counsel removed  when I checked court minutes for 9/5. No explaination but Cruz has the same attorney.

9/20: Motion to consolidate continued by court to 10/4.

10/4: In CR2302448 motion for Mario Tafur to withdraw granted, Conflict Counsel's office appointed. Motion to consolidate + motion to continue on 10/31, Readiness Conference on 11/19; Jury trial on 12/2. In CR2301579, the domestic violence case, same dates.

Mario Tafur wasted so much time and did absolutely nothing on this case. Conflict Counsel to check to see if there is conflict in representing Cruz.

Previous post:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/08/how-many-names-does-this-criminal.html?m=1