Second Murder Trial for Convicted Cop Killer Begins in Las Cruces

Opening statements and testimony began in the trial for convicted murderer, Michael Astorga. Astorga is accused of shooting and killing 27-year-old Candido Martinez after the two got into an argument about car parts in Albuquerque.

Witnesses who took the stand today said they saw Astorga with a gun just before Martinez was shot, but they did not actually see Astorga shoot Martinez. Prosecutors say this was the culmination of a five-year feud between the two men. Prosecutors asked to keep witness’ identities private to protect them from retaliation from gang members associated with Astorga.

“You didn’t see Michael Astorga shoot anybody, did you?” Astorga’s attorney Gary Mitchell asked a witness. “I seen him go to the Blazer to get something. I’m not sure what it was but it had to be a gun,” the witness replied.

Astorga is awaiting sentencing from a conviction for killing Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy James McGrane in 2006. Prosecutors told ABC-7 they believe Astorga shot and killed McGrane after being pulled over because Astorga knew there was a warrant for his arrest. Astorga is facing the death penalty in that case since the murder took place before New Mexico banned it in 2009.

Martinez’ grandmother, Adeline Martinez, said she is convinced Astorga killed her grandson.

“I see him there, and I go you’re not a man. You were a coward. If you didn’t have a gun, you wouldn’t have done anything,” Martinez said about Astorga.

Members of Candido’s family were in tears listening to witness accounts of what happened that night in November of 2005. Martinez said she just wants to see justice served after suffering the loss of her grandson.

“He gave me a hug and a kiss and he says I’ll see you later ok. That’s the last words he said to me,” Martinez said.

The trial will continue tomorrow. Prosecutors expect Astorga to testify at some point during the trial.