Opening statements for twin brothers’ Yuma murder trial

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Opening statements happened Wednesday in the trial of the twin brothers charged with murdering a Yuma teen.

25-year-old David and Adrian Perez-Arzola are both charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault, and attempted armed robbery.

Yuma police say the shooting happened on May 4, 2022, leading to the death of 15-year-old Cesar Aguilar, the day before his birthday.

Dallin Marcy, the State Prosecutor, said referring to the victim's mother, "She had gone to bed and was planning to wake up the next morning to wish her son a happy birthday. It was to be Cesar's 16th birthday."

In opening statements, state prosecutors say the twin brothers, along with another person, were dressed in all black with ski masks at the time of the shooting, and that there are text messages that show the murder was orchestrated.

"He sees 3 individuals with dark clothes roughly 3 blocks away. They begin jumping fences and flee," Marcy stated referring to an officer on the night of murder.

On the other hand, the defense attorney for David Perez-Alzona says the suspects acted in self defense, stating that evidence will show Perez-Arzola didn't shoot first.

Defense Attorney Zach Dumyahn says, "This young man changed into a large coat before going outside on May 4th. Spoiler alert, it's not because it was cold that night. The evidence will show Cesar had this weapon with him when he went outside."

Several witnesses will be testifying during the trial including officers from the night of the murder.

The trial is set to run through July 17.