Trial resumes 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 appeared back in court Tuesday after his appearance last Friday resulted in a pause of the trial. Last Friday, Gonzalez slid a note to his attorney stating he was having issues with his schizophrenia and he could hear voices.

The judge ruled Gonzalez is competent to stand trial since there are not any records showing the defendant was diagnosed as schizophrenic.

In the courtroom, a sergeant on call during the night of a string of home evasions testified that it is rare to respond to multiple break-ins, in a single night.

Gonzalez pleaded not guilty to to all 19 felonies he's facing, 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 Richards, who was 20-years-old at the time.

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. Richards' murder happened at the third home they police said they invaded, located near 16th Avenue and 8th Street.

Another woman was also shot at the third home invasion.

The trial is expected to last until next week.