The man accused of killing a woman whose body was found months later in an abandoned home, wants the Nueces County District Attorney and the Assistant District Attorney off the case.
Joseph Tejeda is charged with murder in the death of Breanna Wood. During a hearing Friday morning, Tejeda’s attorney, Fred Jimenez, told Judge Jack Pulcher, he wants District Attorney Mark Gonzalez and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Manning removed because Manning, who was a defense attorney at the time, was involved in a burglary case involving Tejeda.
Several prosecutors in the D.A.’s office showed up to court. District Attorney Mark Gonzalez asked that he be allowed to remain on the case. He asked if he needs to be removed from the case that it be done immediately because he has started looking into the case.
Prosecutor Melissa Madrigal assured Judge Pulcher that Mr Gonzalez is off the case. She stated attorney Eric Flores was named attorney pro-tem in the case.
The D.A.’s office told the judge they’ve recused themselves from the burglary case. Gonzalez state he’s never met with Tejeda and never spoke to Manning about the burglary. He stated Manning was appointed to the case before the election. He represented Tejeda during one court-appointed appearance on a bond reduction hearing. Shortly after that hearing, Gonzalez won the election and Manning, who was appointed to be his Assistant District Attorney, withdrew himself from the case.
Judge Jack Pulcher ordered the D.A.’s office and Tejeda’s attorney in the burglary case, Eric Flores, to turn over any documents, that prove their isn’t a conflict of interest between the D.A.’s office and Tejeda, to defense attorney Fred Jimenez. Those documents must be given to Jimenez by Friday at 5 p.m.
The judge will make a decision during another hearing Monday afternoon.
