Yuma family seeks independent review in road rage case

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - A change of plea hearing is happening Friday in the deadly road rage incident that happened last year.

Joseph Figueroa, the father of Juan and Javier Figueroa, has been vocal about reexamining the case.

Javier, 17, who was also known as Milo, was the victim who died in the incident, while his brother, Juan, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

A probable cause statement obtained by News 11 said the situation escalated into a physical altercation.

Figueroa claims the 36-year-old man hit Milo in the face and then hit the man with his car, running over his brother in the process.

Their father spoke at a City Council meeting, asking the council to order an independent review.

"Why do I believe Juan is innocent? Because I know he is. What brother would kill his brother? They're like peas and carrots. Everywhere they went, their age group is so close that they're never separated, so he would never do that," Joseph expressed. "He would never purposely do that. I mean, accidents could happen, but I can't verify that or deny it until a third party tests that car, because I don't believe anything YPD says. I don't believe in anything anyone says."

Figueroa will be back in court for the change-of-plea hearing.