Attorneys, jury take a breather in Almaraz trial
Court session set to start again
June 9

By Katie Pizza
Argus Observer
Sunday, June 1, 2008 3:13 AM PDT

Payette - The Payette County murder trial for Hector Brito Almaraz is on hold until June 9.

In April 2006, Almaraz was arrested and later charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Gabriel Flores, 28, at the Club 7 bar in Fruitland. The trial began April 21.

“When we first asked about scheduling, the jury said they would need two weeks off,” Almaraz defense attorney Rolf Kehne said.

He then said the jury requested the hiatus because of previously disclosed conflicts between the court schedule and their personal lives. However, Kehne said the jury voted unanimously to cut those two weeks down to one in order to conclude the trial quickly. Early last week, Judge Gregory Culet commended the jurors for their continued dedication and commitment to the case.

Defense attorney Nancy Callahan said the defense should finish with its witnesses on June 11, after which the prosecution will begin to call its rebuttal witnesses.

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However, both sides agreed this date was tentative because they were unsure how long each examination would take.

One of the witnesses scheduled to appear is Idaho State Police Lab Manager Donna Mead.

In her testimony at the end of April, Fruitland Police Department Lt. Stephanie Steele testified Mead declined to analyze the evidence lifted by police at the bar.

Steele said Mead told her it could be difficult for the lab to gain evidence from Club 7 — because it was dirty — and it did not sound like anything the lab would be involved with.

“She said it would be very hard to get trace evidence from a bar,” Steele said during her testimony.

Culet said Mead’s testimony would be limited to facts.

“Reports submitted to the defense and what their results were,” he said.

Culet also spoke about the trial’s conclusion.

“We’re getting close to the end of the case,” Culet said Thursday.

Culet also recommended Payette County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Lee and defense attorney Van Bishop use the hiatus to work on their closing arguments.

“I trust the lawyers will get that done in the interim,” Culet said.

He then said he had faith both sides would use the time wisely.