Judge suspends jury service in Bexar County due to coronavirus surge

2 years ago 273

Trials that person already begun tin continue, according to order

Judge Ron Rangel is presiding implicit the execution proceedings of Otis McKane, who is charged with sidesplitting San Antonio Police Detective Benjamin Marconi successful November 2016. The proceedings is expected to past astir 2 weeks.

SAN ANTONIO – As COVID-19 infections surge successful Bexar County, the justice who oversees however the courthouse runs has suspended assemblage service, according to an bid signed connected Wednesday.

The bid was signed by 379th District Court Judge Ron Rangel, the Local Administrative Judge for Bexar County courts. Jury trials that person already started, similar the trial of Otis McKane, whitethorn proceed until a verdict is reached.

Rangel said helium made the determination “after cautious deliberation and consultation with the section wellness authority.”

Bexar County officials reported a seven-day mean of 1,146 caller COVID-19 cases a day, a 58% summation from the fig reported past week which was 724. Hospitalizations roseate 32%, from 695 reported connected Thursday to 920 reported connected Tuesday.

“This measurement is taken successful an effort to trim the dispersed of the COVID-19 and to guarantee the wellness and information of each courtroom participants and visitors entering Bexar County Courts,” Rangel wrote.

The court’s disguise mandate besides remains successful effect, Rangel wrote. The mandate does not interruption Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s enforcement bid owed to a ruling from the Texas Supreme Court.

About the Authors:

Fares Sabawi

Fares Sabawi has been a writer successful San Antonio for 4 years. He has covered respective topics, but specializes successful crime, courts, unfastened records and information visualization.

Erica Hernandez

Erica Hernandez is an Emmy award-winning writer with much than 12 years of acquisition successful the broadcast quality business. Erica has covered a wide array of stories each implicit Central and South Texas. She's presently the tribunal reporter.

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