Jury Begins Deliberation In Johnson Park Murder Case

The jury has gotten the case against Juan Venegas and deliberations have begun. The 39-year-old Redding man is accused in the murder of David Wicks, who was killed December 21st while working at a Shell Station in Johnson Park east of Burney. Surveillance shows a person in a yellow rain suit torching Wicks and the store. DNA testing led to Venegas, although the defense has tried to raise doubt by calling witnesses who say it was somebody else. The prosecution has characterizes the testimony as shaky at best. No motive has been identified. Venegas is being tried for premeditated murder with special circumstances, including a torture allegation. The D.A.’s Office has said that they won’t try for capital punishment of Venegas. The jury deliberations are expected to extend into next week.

There is no custom code to display.