Day two wraps up in the Jacob Sims murder preliminary hearing

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - Four defendants returned to court Thursday afternoon in El Centro for the second day of a preliminary hearing in the murder case of 23-year-old Jacob Sims, a Yuma man whose remains were discovered in a firepit in Winterhaven.

Proceedings were held at the El Centro Courthouse, where prosecutors continued presenting evidence as the court determines whether there is sufficient cause to move the case to trial.

Gabriel Mills Sr., Gabriel Mills Jr., Sadie Hiatt, and Daniel Gavino Martinez appeared alongside their respective defense attorneys. Each defendant is represented by separate counsel, underscoring that legal arguments and strategies are being handled individually rather than collectively.

Mario Vela, defense counsel for Sadie Hiatt, emphasized that his focus remains solely on his client.

“This is an extremely serious and sensitive case, and we are carefully examining all the evidence that the prosecution is putting forward as of now,” Vela said. “I am exclusively focusing on my client and making sure that her constitutional rights are protected in this very, very serious case.”

Thursday’s hearing began with the continued cross-examination of a witness identified as the ex-girlfriend of Gabriel Mills Sr. She testified that on the day of the crime, she observed smoke coming from a location different from the fire pit where Sims’ body was ultimately found while she was at the property.

The second witness called to the stand was an investigator with the Imperial County Sheriff's Office. The investigator testified that during questioning, Gabriel Mills Jr. initially denied being at the property in Winterhaven but later recanted and admitted that he had been there.

According to the investigator, Mills Jr. also first denied knowing Jacob Sims before later referring to him as a “homie.” The investigator further testified that Mills Jr. nodded his head “yes” when asked whether Sadie Hiatt was involved. This was during the questioning being audio-recorded.

In a statement that claims otherwise, the testifying investigator also stated that while questioning another witness at the scene of the crime, the witness said there was no other woman present.

With the evidence, Vela declined to comment beyond what was presented in court.

As for the Sims family, emotions ran high during the proceedings when a photograph of Jacob Sims was displayed as part of the testimony. Several members of the family left the courtroom to compose themselves.

“It makes it real, and I don’t want it to be real,” said Genia Sims, Jacob Sims’ grandmother. “I thought I couldn’t breathe. I just couldn’t breathe.”

With multiple witnesses still scheduled to testify, additional evidence is expected to be presented in the coming days.

“We are eager to see all evidence that the prosecution has against my client,” Vela said, “...and we remain committed to ensure that her constitutional rights are protected and that she deserves a fair defense.”

The preliminary hearing is scheduled to resume Friday morning and is expected to continue through at least Monday as the court weighs whether the case will proceed to trial.