2008-12-12

Soldier to stand trial in couple’s deaths

The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Dec 12, 2008 7:57:48 EST

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A 24-year-old Fort Carson soldier will stand trial in the deaths of two Colorado Springs residents who were fatally shot while hanging a garage sale sign.

After a daylong hearing Thursday, El Paso County District Judge Thomas Kennedy ordered Pfc. Jomar Dionisio Falu-Vives to stand trial on first-degree murder charges in the June double homicide, and on felony charges related to a May shooting that injured an Army captain.

Prosecutors allege Falu-Vives gunned down Cesar Ramirez-Ibanez, 21, and Amairany Cervantes, 28, in the street June 6. No motive has been released.

Ballistics expert Cordell Brown testified that the bullets used to kill the couple came from a high-powered military rifle found at Falu-Vives’ apartment. Brown said the same gun fired the two shots May 26 that injured Capt. Zachary Szody, who was standing on a street corner.

Falu-Vives is being held without bond. He is set to enter pleas Jan. 30.

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