A man accused of strangling a 57-year-old father to death with a seatbelt in far East El Paso more than three years ago is now asking a judge to let him out on bond. Julian Balderrama, 40, appeared in court wearing jail clothing and sitting in a wheelchair as he sought release while his murder case remains pending.
Balderrama is charged in the 2023 killing of Hilarion Mongloro Trejo, according to KTSM 9 News, which reported that he is accused of choking Trejo to death in July 2023. The station reported that the alleged killing happened on Pellicano Drive in far East El Paso, and that Balderrama is seeking release nearly three years after his arrest.
Jail records cited by the station put Balderrama's bond at more than $1 million. During the hearing, courtroom comments suggested Judge Sam Medrano may be considering releasing Balderrama, though the outlet's report made clear no final ruling on his release was confirmed. Prosecutors were said to have about two weeks to provide additional information on whether Balderrama should remain in custody.
Details of the Alleged Strangling
Trejo's death drew attention from local outlets shortly after it happened in July 2023. Police said Trejo was strangled to death with a seatbelt by Balderrama, according to CBS4, which also reported that Trejo's family sought community support following his death. The same outlet reported that police said the reason behind why Balderrama allegedly strangled Trejo to death is unknown.
KFOX14 reported the same seatbelt-strangulation allegation at the time, also noting that Trejo's family had sought community support following the loss. Both 2023 reports described Trejo, who was 57, in similar terms as a father whose death shook those close to him, though neither outlet offered a motive for the alleged attack.
Attorneys Stay Quiet as Case Drags On
Balderrama's attorney declined to comment on the case or explain the requested change in bond, per the station's report. The El Paso County District Attorney's Office said it could not comment on open or pending cases, the same account noted, leaving the public with little additional insight into why a bond modification is being sought now, nearly three years into the case.
Balderrama remains accused of murder as the case continues to wind through the courts. With prosecutors reportedly given a roughly two-week window to weigh in further, the question of whether he stays behind bars or is released on bond remains unresolved for now.
