Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Witnesses recount details of murder trial as testimony begins
Published 8:20 pm Wednesday, March 6, 2024
- Ben Moreno
The murder trial of Ben Moreno, 33, of Albert Lea, has begun, with first responders recounting the harrowing events that unfolded at a property located south of Albert Lea. Witnesses testified about the 911 call made after the shooting of Juan Vasquez Jr. in August 2022 and the grim scene they encountered upon arrival.
911 Call and Arrival of First Responders
The 911 call, placed by Adam Sorum, identified the suspect by his first name and detailed the tragic incident that led to Vasquez’s death. Sorum bravely attempted chest compressions on Vasquez until first responders arrived. The responders found Vasquez with a fatal gunshot wound to the right side of his chest.
Charges Faced by Ben Moreno
Ben Moreno faces five charges in connection with the case, including two counts of second-degree murder in Vasquez’s death, attempted second-degree murder of another individual present, and two counts of ineligible possession of a firearm.
Details of the Crime Scene
After the shooting, Moreno fled the scene with two others and was apprehended in rural Forest City, Iowa. Witnesses described the chaotic scene at the property, an average-sized older farmhouse south of Albert Lea, cluttered and deemed uninhabitable. The presence of two campers on the property added to the eerie atmosphere.
Law Enforcement Response
Law enforcement officers arrived promptly on the scene, with Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Whitney Wacholz describing the frantic efforts to save Vasquez’s life. The deputy’s body camera footage captured the tense moments as EMTs arrived, only to declare Vasquez’s time of death shortly after.
Further Investigations
The investigation into the case revealed additional details, with witnesses testifying about the events leading up to Vasquez’s death. The rifle used in the crime remains missing, adding a layer of mystery to the tragic incident.
As the trial progresses, more witnesses are expected to shed light on the events surrounding Juan Vasquez Jr.’s untimely death, providing further insight into this heartbreaking case.
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