SAN ANTONIO – The third day of the Jilson Avelar-Rodriguez capital murder trial saw a shocking turn of events as a video confession was shown to the jury. Avelar-Rodriguez stands accused of the 2018 double murder of Nicholas Milanovich and Julia Wright, who were tragically shot while they slept in their apartment.
The interrogation video, which lasted over two hours, revealed Avelar-Rodriguez’s admission of guilt. However, he claimed that he was coerced into committing the crime by his girlfriend, Melissa Cortez. Avelar-Rodriguez, with the assistance of a Spanish translator, detailed Cortez’s alleged involvement. According to him, Cortez, who was involved in drug dealing, held a grudge against Milanovich for also selling drugs.
Avelar-Rodriguez explained, She made me and told me, ‘No, you’re going to do it because if not, well, I’m going to have someone do something to you.’ He further confessed that Cortez was present on the night of the murders and provided him with the gun to carry out the act.
In the video, Avelar-Rodriguez somberly admitted, The truth is I did fire. I fired at both of them. Then I opened the door and I left. He further expressed fear that Cortez would discover that he had shared this information with the detective.
With closing arguments expected on Friday morning, this capital murder trial is nearing its end. However, the death penalty is not on the table. If found guilty, Avelar-Rodriguez would face an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
As the trial unfolds, the jury will need to evaluate the validity of Avelar-Rodriguez’s claims regarding his girlfriend’s involvement. The prosecution will likely challenge the credibility of his confession, while the defense will seek to establish a motive for his alleged girlfriend’s coercion.
The trial proceedings have gripped the attention of both local and international observers as they hope to see justice served for the slain young couple. The shocking revelations and emotional testimony have made this trial one to watch.
While the jury considers the presented evidence, the families of Milanovich and Wright are left to grapple with the loss of their loved ones. The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly have a life-altering impact on all those affected.
As the trial draws to a close, the verdict will soon be in the hands of the jury. The world awaits the outcome, hoping that justice will prevail and provide some semblance of closure for the families involved.
