In May 2020, Jose Juan Mata traveled around 20 miles from town, according to retired Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Detective Benjamin Gonzalez. On Wednesday, Mata appeared in court facing a murder charge for the death of Maria Elias.
Mata’s defense attorney questioned Gonzalez about Mata’s whereabouts at the time of the crime, focusing on the distance he had traveled. However, prosecutors presented evidence to the judge for a second day, attempting to prove that there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
Mata has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and previously stated that he was not guilty by reason of insanity. Despite undergoing multiple mental health evaluations, his attorney questioned Gonzalez about Mata’s medication at the time of the crime. The detective mentioned that Mata had mentioned anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder but did not specifically mention schizophrenia.
During cross-examination, the defense attorney focused on what Mata’s older brother had told investigators about Mata’s behavior. On Tuesday, the judge heard graphic evidence about Elias’ death, including the fact that she still had a blade in her chest and a power cord around her neck during the coroner’s examination. Prosecutors plan to call more witnesses before deciding if there is enough evidence for Mata to stand trial.
