Trial underway in fatal home invasion case

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY)- A trial is underway for one of the five defendants charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a Yuma man during a series of home invasions in July 2017.

Jesus Andres Gonzalez, who was pleaded not guilty to the offenses, has been charged with a total of 19 felonies, including one count of first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping, one count of attempted endangerment and three counts of burglary for his alleged role in the death of Leondre Richards who was 20-years-old at the time.

In his appearance today, evidence was presented to the jury of the scene of the crime, including pictures of the mobile home where Richards was shot.

He has also been charged with eight counts of aggravated assault, three counts of endangerment and one count each of armed robbery and criminal damage.

Also charged in the case were Daniel Castillo, Daniel Contreras, Juan Pablo Torres, and Kerein Patrick Hamilton.

All five co-defendants are alleged to have committed three home invasions in July 2017 looking for drugs and money with Richards' murder happening at the third home.

In the third home invasion, Yuma police responded to a report of a disturbance in the 1600 block of West 8th Street, where officers located two victims with gunshot wounds.

Richards' body was discovered at the scene along with a female victim who is believed to be Richards' mother.

The trial is expected to last until March 6, 2020.