Other Suspect In Rest Stop Murder Trial Takes Stand, Testifies Against Friend

One of three teens accused in the Anthony rest stop murder of Adam Espinosa, 20, took the stand Thursday to testify against his former friend, defendant Irvin Ramirez, 18.

ABC-7’s New Mexico Mobile Newsroom was not allowed to record Javier Orosco, 17, on the stand. But the prosecution did play surveillance video of the teen at an Anthony gas station recorded a short time after the January 2010 murder.

Orosco admitted to the court that he was the one who purchased the gasoline to burn Espinosa’s car and body after the California man was shot in the head.

But Orosco told jurors, at the rest stop, it was Ramirez who pointed the gun at the victim and fired.

“He said, ‘Brace yourself, fool,” Orosco testified.

During cross examination, Ramirez’s defense attorney reminded the jury that Orosco is an admitted former gang member and lied to police at the start of the investigation.

Orosco’s trial is still pending.

“Should I believe you now because you’ll benefit from testifying?” the defense attorney asked.

“No,” Orosco answered. “I’m testifying because the judge ordered me to testify.”

The trial for the third suspect in the case, Jorge Murillo, is also pending.

Testimony in Ramirez’s trial continues Friday.