SAN ANTONIO – A judge presiding over a murder case has recused herself after accusations of threats from the Bexar County District Attorney surfaced.
Judge Lori Valenzuela presides over the 437th Criminal District Court and was originally overseeing the trial of Miguel Martinez. Her office said she had no comment as to why she recused herself.
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Martinez is accused of fatally shooting a woman in 2015. His first trial resulted in a mistrial after the prosecution allegedly failed to disclose information that an attorney from the DA's Office had a sexual relationship with a key witness in the case.
Martinez’s defense team claims District Attorney Nico LaHood threatened the attorneys and their practices.
LaHood has denied the claims.
Officials said Senior Judge Bud Kirkendall, of Guadalupe County, is now appointed to the case.
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