Brawley murder trial set to advance to preliminary hearing

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - A high-profile Imperial County murder case is finally moving forward after months of procedural delays.

The two men accused in connection with a fatal February shooting in Brawley returned to court for a pre-trial hearing, where defense attorneys successfully secured a date for a preliminary hearing.

The defendants, 23-year-old Genaro Lemus and 25-year-old Matthew Nathan Garnica, face murder charges in the shooting death of 43-year-old Steven Angulo.

Both men have pleaded not guilty and continue to be held behind bars without bail.

The case had previously stalled significantly, drawing frustration during a September court appearance where the judge explicitly urged both legal teams to "get the ball rolling."

The delay stems from a missing piece of critical evidence. Defense attorneys revealed they have been waiting since June for the official autopsy report to be completed and turned over.

When asked if such extensive delays for an autopsy report are typical, Jason Amavisca, defense counsel for Garnica, indicated it is an ongoing systemic hurdle.

"Unfortunately, yes, that's been the practice in this county. It's very unfortunate," Amavisca said.

Despite the lack of an autopsy report, the defense team chose to avoid further delays, informing the court that they possess the necessary evidence to proceed with the next phase of the trial.

"It's very difficult, as you know," Amavisca noted regarding the high stakes of the trial. "You can imagine murder is one of the most serious offenses that one can be charged with, especially in this case...We have the evidence necessary for the preliminary hearing."

The upcoming preliminary hearing will serve as a probable cause evaluation.

During the proceeding, prosecutors will call forward witnesses, and the defense will have the opportunity to present evidence and cross-examine those witnesses to determine if there is sufficient justification to go to trial.

Because Lemus and Garnica are being tried as co-defendants, Amavisca is working directly alongside Veronica Henderson, who represents Lemus.

Amavisca emphasized that the co-counsel dynamic has been a smooth and collaborative effort.

"Miss Henderson and I get along great," he said. "I don't see a conflict between the defendants in this case, so we're basically working hand in hand together in this case. It's not difficult."

Lemus and Garnica are scheduled to return to the Imperial County courtroom in December.