Murder Trial: Defendant’s girlfriend tells jury why she failed to report killing of KLAQ DJ

Marinda Palacios, the woman at the center of a possible love triangle including a slain radio personality, testified in court Monday in the murder trial of Leonel Hernandez.

Hernandez is accused of shooting and killing KLAQ DJ Richard Madrigal on June 11, 2016. Palacios, a friend of Madrigal, was dating Hernandez at the time.

Palacios told the court, that at the time of the killing, she was seperated from her husband and dating Hernandez. Palacios told the court she and Madrigal were “buddies.” During Friday’s testimony, it was revealed that in exchange for Palacios’ testimony, her charges for failing to report the murder would be dropped.

Friday, jurors were shown text messages between Palacios and her daughter. The day Madrigal was killed, Palacios texted her daughter the following message: “I think Leo killed Rick.”

Monday, Palacios took the stand to resume her testimony.

Prosecutors presented additional text messages between Palacios and Hernandez in effort to paint the defendant as being jealous of Madrigal.

A text from Palacios to Hernadez said, “Sorry you felt jealous, but it doesn’t give you the right to stalk me.”

Palacios told the jury she went out to a bar with Madrigal and ended up staying the night at his house, but did not have sex with him. They woke up the next day and continued to drink and “hang out,” she said.

Later that day, Hernandez came over to Madrigal’s apartment. Palacios said she heard two gun shots and saw Madrigal on the floor.

Palacios and Hernandez then checked into a hotel and visited a bar sometime that night, the woman testified.

Palacios testified she was too scared to call for help or call the police: “I was going to be next if he (Hernandez) found out I told someone,” the woman said.

The defense argued Palacios’ testimony is different than her statement to police when the murder happened because the state is willing to drop her charges.

The defense also argued Palacios wasn’t scared, she was out that night taking pictures with strangers at a bar.

Several photos of her and strangers out at a bar were shown to the jury. In one she had her tongue sticking out touching a strangers tongue next to her.

A blood spatter and crime scene reconstructionist took the stand. He testified that based on the blood spatter and the direction of the bullet, Hernandez couldn’t have been the shooter.