Saipan Tribune

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Friday, March 01, 2013

Bid to modify bail of suspect in foiled robbery rejected

For the second time, a request to modify the $75,000 bail imposed on a teenager accused of slicing the throat of a security guard during a foiled robbery was rejected.

In an order issued yesterday, Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho said he is not convinced that suspect Edward Deleon Guerrero will be able to control his “propensity for violence” and comply with any rules the court will order for his pre-trial release.

Camacho is also not convinced that the supervision of third-party custodians Jose and Angela Aldan will be enough to control the 18-year-old suspect.

Deleon Guerrero, through assistant public defender Daniel Guidotti, had proposed that his aunt, Angela Aldan, and uncle Jose C. Aldan be his third-party custodians, on top of a property bond in lieu of the $75,000 cash bail.

Camacho said, however, that the Aldan couple are not suitable as third-party custodians due to their testimonies that they have never been in a situation where they had to discipline Deleon Guerrero.

“The court is not convinced given the defendant's capability for sudden violent behavior that Mr. and Mrs. Aldan will be able to supervise and control the defendant,” the judge said.

At the hearing Wednesday afternoon, Angela Aldan appeared visibly shaken after being shown pictures of the victim's sliced throat and being told of the charges against her nephew.

Camacho noted the change in Angela Aldan's demeanor after being shown the pictures.

“The court can appreciate Mrs. Aldan's desire to extend a helping hand to defendant and his family [but], for a woman having no experience controlling the defendant, this is not the time to 'just try it and see what will happen,'” Camacho said.

Based on Angela Aldan's demeanor, she is plainly not up to the task necessary to control the defendant, Camacho added.

It is alleged that Deleon Guerrero went to Skyway Café Poker on Airport Road on Feb. 3 past midnight. Using a knife, he allegedly repeatedly stabbed the arcade's security guard, Fernando Martin.

Martin, 48, was taken to the Commonwealth Health Center where he was treated for lacerations on his neck, ear, and right thumb.

The defendant fled but later time turned himself in to police. He allegedly confessed to a police officer that it was his intention to rob Skyway Café Poker.

Last Feb. 6, Camacho also rejected Deleon Guerrero's motion to modify the bail.

Deleon Guerrero is charged with aggravated assault and battery, assault with a dangerous weapon, disturbing the peace, and minor consuming liquor.

Assistant attorney general Margo Brown is prosecuting the case.