Community concerned over not guilty verdict on Manaig trial

Locals react at the verdict of 19-year-old Karl Manaig whose trial ended recently. He was charged with two felony counts of making criminal threats against two classmates at Imperial High School last year.

Bill Hodge, former Calexico teacher, said, “It’s astonishing to me based on the facts that I have read and have been told that they found this young man not guilty. It’ frightening to me as a parent.”

Not guilty on one count against a male student. And the jury deadlocked 8-to-4 on the second count, an alleged threat against a female student. The alleged threats were made one day after the Florida school shootings. The jury was hung in favor of acquittal. The D.A. wants a retrial.

El Centro resident Wendy Luevano said, “When somebody does something, consequences, there has to be consequences for our actions, no matter what.”

Manaig was facing up to three years in prison for each count.

“What if it would have turned out way worse than what it did?” Luevano said.

Police found 21 firearms at his house after his arrest. Some said schools need to be more proactive.

“How much did the school district know of this young man’s background? And why did they not take action sooner?” Hodge said.

They are concerned for their kids at school.

“I want her to be in a safe environment. Is it going to be safe? I sure hope so. They’ve got to step up security, whatever they’ve got to do. It’s hard to believe that is going to be down here in this valley,” Luevano said.

They want the re-trial and they want help for Manaig.

“Obviously this young man is disturbed,” Hodge said.

“I hope that kid gets the help he needs and doesn’t end up something worse,” Luevano added.

Manaig goes back to court on June 12 to find out if he’s going to be retried or not on the second count.