What we know about the trial for Erika Gaytan’s suspected killer so far on day 4

EL PASO, TX - Prosecutors have provided a glimpse into what happened that fateful Saturday night of July 13, 2019, the date that Erika Gaytan was seen for the last time.

Marquez is accused of killing Erika Gaytan after they attended a concert together on July 13, 2019. Her body has never been found. Marquez's original trial back in April resulted in a mistrial due to an issue with the jury.

The prosecution revealed today what search warrants found when they were conducted on Marquez's Crown Victoria. Investigators found various items in the car, including condoms and a recipe for scotch, as well as zip-ties that were fashioned into handcuffs. An open pocket knife and a closed ridge blade knife were also found.

They also revealed text messages between Marquez and his brother-in-law, showing that Marquez asked to borrow both a shovel, and his Jeep.

Investigators searched that Jeep as part of the warrant as well, discovering it had been freshly cleaned. Luminol was used on the floors to look for blood stains, and the drivers side foot area and the rear (trunk) area lit up, indicating that there was blood there. Gaytan's DNA was also found in that same trunk area.

Additionally, a shoe found in Marquez's bedroom contained red sand, the same type found in the area where police believe Gaytan's body was dumped. Surveillance footage spotted the same Jeep driving towards Red Sands on the early morning of July 14.