SAN ANTONIO – A trial is underway for a man accused of fatally ambushing and robbing a 20-year-old in 2023.
Jayveon Johnson, who faces charges of murder and aggravated robbery, appeared in court Monday as attorneys addressed pretrial motions before jury selection w as to begin.
Johnson and his co-defendant, Mariah Cabrera, were arrested and charged in the death of David Allen Rezentes, who police say was lured into a drug deal but was instead ambushed and killed.
Rezentes was shot and robbed in what authorities described as a planned attack.
Surveillance footage eventually led investigators to Johnson and Cabrera, resulting in their arrests five months after the incident.
During Monday’s hearing, Johnson’s defense team successfully argued to keep certain allegations about their client out of the trial. They requested the judge bar the state from presenting claims that Johnson abused Cabrera and held her hostage.
“It has nothing to do with the murder, and she’s not the complainant,” defense attorney Daniel De La Garza said in court. “I would ask the state to approach before referencing hostage holding or any abuse claims.”
The judge agreed to the request.
Cabrera, who accepted a plea deal in December for 35 years in prison, is expected to testify against Johnson. Her testimony could be pivotal for the prosecution as they pursue a guilty verdict.
Testimony is set to begin on Tuesday morning. 227th District Court Judge Christine Del Prado will be presiding.
