A jury in Duval County is hearing evidence this week in the murder trial of Abel Cantu. Cantu is charged with killing his wife, Jessica Cantu, at their home in San Diego, Texas.
This week, jurors heard forensic testimony. That means expert witnesses took the stand. They study clues like blood and wounds. They tell the jury what those clues show. This kind of proof can make or break a murder case.
Jessica Cantu died from a cut to her throat. Neighbors in San Diego, Texas are still grieving her death. She was a mother of five.
Neighbor Mary Rodriguez knew Jessica for years. "She was a mom and she was a nice person," Rodriguez said. "My neighbor. I knew her for a long time."
Rodriguez said she had worries about Abel Cantu before the killing. "He was mean," she said. "Me, this town, should have kept an eye on what was going on."
Another neighbor, Ada Morin, said the whole town is hurting. "I hurt for the kids. I hurt for the family," Morin said. "Me and my husband took it real hard."
Duval County is small. Most people know each other here. The county seat is San Diego, Texas, not far from Freer. A murder trial like this one does not happen often. Many locals know the family or know someone who does.
Cantu was arrested and charged with murder in his wife's death. A murder charge in Texas can mean many years in prison if the jury finds him guilty.
The trial is still going on. Jurors will keep hearing more evidence in the days ahead. It will be up to them to decide if Cantu is guilty. El Tejano will follow the case and report what the jury decides.
