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Trial Continues for Man Charged in 1994 Triple Homicide Case

KVIA••Heriberto Perez Lara
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The capital murder trial of Arturo Ortega Garcia resumed today, marking its second day as he faces charges for the 1994 stabbing deaths of a family in East El Paso. The victims, 3-year-old Dante Santoni, his mother Connie Villa, and her partner Francisco Santoni, were discovered murdered in their home on August 11, 1994. During the proceedings, witnesses included a detective who translated Ortega Garcia's 2022 interrogation, where he claimed fear of retaliation prevented him from revealing critical information. The trial will proceed with closing arguments scheduled for tomorrow at 8:30 a.m., highlighting the long-standing impact of this cold case on the community.

Key Details: • Trial continues with closing arguments set for tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. • Victims were found on August 11, 1994, in East El Paso. • Ortega Garcia expressed fear of retaliation during his interrogation.

el-paso justice murder cold-case trial

People & Organizations

El Paso Police DepartmentEast El PasoArturo Ortega GarciaFrancisco SantoniConnie VillaDante SantoniDistrict Attorney's Office

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