The courtroom drama in the Jilson Avelar-Rodriguez capital murder trial continued into its third day, with eyes set on the live stream as the province moves closer to a resolution in a case that has taken years to come before a judge. Avelar-Rodriguez stands accused of the 2018 double murder of Nicholas “Trey” Milanovich, 23, and Julia Wright, 21, a slaying that police described as "very bloody."
KSAT 12's extensive coverage includes a live stream of the trial, which resumed earlier today. Revelations during yesterday’s proceedings included testimony from Melissa Cortez, an ex-girlfriend of the accused. Cortez recounted Avelar-Rodriguez arriving at her home on the day of the killings, changing his clothes, and stowing them in a bag, according to KSAT. She also revealed to the court that he had a lockbox that contained a pill bottle labeled "Julia."
Seeking to bring closure to the traumatic 2018 events, Milanovich’s family awaits justice as the case slowly unfolds. According to KSAT’s previous report, it was a tip obtained slightly over a month after the crime that redirected the attention of law enforcement towards Avelar-Rodriguez. A search at his girlfriend's home uncovered ammunition matching those found at the crime scene, as well as a lockbox that was determined to be Wright’s after her combination successfully opened it.
Despite an elusive suspect who initially couldn't be found, authorities later apprehended Avelar-Rodriguez at a federal immigration detention facility in Pearsall. Following his arrest and a charge of capital murder, the defense filed a motion to suppress an alleged confession, which was ultimately denied by 226th District Court Judge Velia Meza.
With the death penalty not being an option in this non-death capital murder case, Avelar-Rodriguez faces life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted. For those unable to attend in person, the public can access the trials proceedings via a live stream available on several platforms, including KSAT.com, KSAT Plus, and the KSAT YouTube channel, ensuring transparency and access to the legal process.
