Inmate who testified against murder trial defendant called back to stand for second time

Inmate doubles-down on testimony, claims he "can be killed" by testifying

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - In the latest development of the Econo Lodge murder trial, a twist was brought to the courtroom on Friday.

26-year-old German Hernandez was called to the stand again - this time by the defense - just over a week after he testified against Izak Lucero.

For over an hour, Hernandez was questioned and challenged about his truthfulness from his first testimony. A testimony in which he gave details about overhearing Lucero - within their cell block - admitting to shooting and killing Luis Delgadillo in August 2020.

Following his first testimony on April 13th, an investigator inside the jail claimed Hernandez "bragged" about his testimony and was really out to get Lucero.

So in turn, the defense wanted to call him back to the stand to turn the trial on its head - also using the private investigator, Manuel Saldatte, to testify his findings.

The defense used countless images of the cell blocks and questioned Hernandez about the windows, vents and the overall structure of the cell blocks. They also spent a lot of time trying to pin down the exact dates that Hernandez stayed in the same area as Lucero despite being moved many times since 2020.

This as a response to Herndandez' testimony that claimed he overheard Lucero's confession, using the vents and being able to see Lucero's reflection off one of the windows.

But Hernandez held his ground and "doubled-down" on his confession.

So later on, the state took its position with Hernandez.

They too used images and drawings of the cell blocks. They though trying to make the point that as an inmate, you can see everyone and hear everything based on the structure of the blocks.

Another thing they did was make clear that Hernandez is fully aware of the consequences of lying on the stand if he had done that. Something state prosecutor, Meaghan Gallagher, says the defense was implying by bringing Hernandez back on, along with the private investigator.

The goal of the prosecution being to confirm that Hernandez understands the nature of what he's doing by testifying and the consequences in the aftermath, whether he's lying or not.

If lying, Hernandez would severely deteriorate the plea agreement he signed to lessen his own sentence - which he is currently in custody for aggravated assault and aggravated domestic violence charges.

Gallagher even digging to see what it would mean for Hernandez being a "snitch" that has been brought up by many - both in jail, prison and on the streets.

"The defense is implying that you were lying," Gallagher stated to Hernandez. "What can happen to you if you testify against somebody? If you're considered a snitch?"

Hernandez' response: "I can get killed."

Gallagher: "Is a lie worth five years max off a prison sentence?"

Hernandez: "No ma'am."

Gallagher: "Is a lie worth looking over your shoulder from now on, for the rest of your life?"

Hernandez: "No ma'am."

Gallagher: "Is a lie worth knowing that everyone in your world might turn on you at any minute?"

Hernandez: "No."

Gallagher: "Is a lie worth your own life?"

Hernandez: "No ma'am."

Gallagher: "If we believe there is evidence that you were lying, your deal's off the table isn't it?"

Hernandez: "Yes ma'am."

Gallagher: "It's gone. But your're still a snitch."

Hernandez: "Yes ma'am."

Gallagher: "And you're still a target."

Hernandez: "Yes ma'am."

Gallagher: "Thank you. No further questions."

The trial will pick back up on Tuesday in the final week of proceedings before the jury deliberation.

If convicted - Izak Lucero could serve life in prison.