Local murder trial ends: Jurors enter deliberation

The murder trial of Francisco Hernandez Serrano, the man accused of first-degree premeditated murder, is now in the hands of a grand jury.

The grand jury entered deliberation Friday morning.

Presiding Judge David Haws said jurors will decide if Serrano is guilty of four counts including kidnapping, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.

Authorities detained Serrano February 2016 after Emmanuel Alvarenga Navarrete was murdered January 20, 2016.

The victim suffered three gunshot wounds and his body was recovered by police in a produce field off of Highway 95 in Yuma.

Police said Serrano was an accomplice and conspirator of the victim’s death, along with Jose Alfredo Sorto, who authorities said shot the victim in 2016.

Sorto entered a plea deal October 2017. He’s currently serving a 22-year prison sentence.

The jury will continue deliberation Friday.