New details emerge regarding man accused of shooting mother in Somerton

A 25-year-old teacher is now behind bars suspected of murdering a mother outside a Somerton shopping plaza.

Oscar Quintero was seen Thursday morning via webcam at the Somerton-San Luis Justice Court.

He is accused of murdering 24-year-old Clarissa Medina and attempting to murder 22-year-old Hugo Ponce Verdugo who is now in critical condition at a Phoenix area hospital.

According to school officials, Oscar Quintero worked at PEP Tec – Jose Tepez Learning Center from 2015-2017. During the 2015-2016 school year he worked at Cibola High School as a teacher’s aide for special services. From 2012-2014 he worked for the Somerton School District.

“When he came over he introduced himself to me and he told me that he was a teacher. He didn’t say what school. But he told me he was a teacher in the area,” according to Quintero’s neighbor.

According to Arizona court records he was a CASA volunteer in 2013 and worked as a substitute teacher for the Somerton School District.

On Wednesday night police received reports of several gun shots fired in the area of Main street and Bingham avenue where they found two gunshot victims in a parking lot.

As for the suspect’s relationship to the victim, neighbors tell us they had a child together. But authorities have not confirmed that or released a motive.

Relatives and friends are mourning for the loss of Clarissa Medina.

In court, the victim’s sister told the judge the suspect is a danger to the community.

“I feel he would be a harm to his two daughters. So I ask for no bail please your honor. I also ask he has no custody over the babies,” said Stephanie Medina.

Quintero is facing a laundry list of charges including first-degree murder. On Thursday, he was denied bond at the Somerton-San Luis Justice Court. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 8.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for Medina. If you’d like to contribute click https://www.gofundme.com/clarissa-medina-and-family