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Men accused in Balcones Heights officer's death appear in court

Jerry Idrogo, Alfredo Cardona denied bond in Julian Pesina case

SAN ANTONIO – Two Texas Mexican Mafia members made their first appearance in federal court Wednesday in a murder trial concerning the death of Balcones Heights police Officer Julian Pesina.

Jerry Idrogo and Alfredo Cardona each face a charge of using and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

Pesina was murdered on May 4, 2014, in front of tattoo shop he owned.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John Primono ordered Idrogo and Cardona be detained without bond for the charges.

Jesse Santibanez, a third suspect in Pesina's death, appeared at a bond hearing on Tuesday. He was also denied bond.

During Santibanez's hearing, it was revealed that the FBI and the Texas Department of Public Safety had been investigating Pesina before his death.

Idrogo will next appear in court for arraignment on June 29. Cardona will have his arraignment on June 30.

If convicted, the men could face 10 years to life in prison.


About the Author
Erica Hernandez headshot

Erica Hernandez is an Emmy award-winning journalist with 15 years of experience in the broadcast news business. Erica has covered a wide array of stories all over Central and South Texas. She's currently the court reporter and cohost of the podcast Texas Crime Stories.

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