El Gringo trial start suspended pending ruling on legal challenge

The start of the El Gringo trial has been suspended because a legal challenge involving the charge against Jhovan Eduardo Juárez González remains unresolved. Guatemala’s Ninth Criminal Trial Court decided to delay the proceedings until the Supreme Court’s Appeals and Preliminary Proceedings Chamber issues its ruling.

The defense argues that Judge Aurora Gutiérrez exceeded the order issued by the Third Appeals Chamber. According to the lawyers, that order required her only to explain why Juárez had been sent to trial. Instead, they say, she changed the charge from homicide during a tumultuous fight to simple homicide.

The judge reached the new classification after reviewing the case again and determining that Juárez’s actions fit a different offense. His lawyers are still waiting for the chamber to decide whether that ruling will stand or must be changed.

The case concerns an incident at a bar in Majadas, Zone 11, where an argument escalated into verbal and physical aggression. Juárez allegedly drew a gun and fired at the people involved. Jorge José Ortega Xitumul died, while another person suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to a medical facility. The court will now wait for the magistrates to clarify the charge before deciding how the criminal proceedings should continue.