Orange Cove murder case cleared for trial as daughter testifies against father

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — The case against an accused Orange Cove killer is now moving forward after nine years.

Fresno County Superior Court Judge Brian Alvarez ruled on Monday that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

Action News could not show Basilio Rodriguez’s face in court. His attorney argued there could be an identity issue.

Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Rodriguez last October, saying he killed Angel Esquibel at the Orchard Village Apartments in November 2016.

Neighbors previously described the victim, who went by “Navajo,” as a “good guy, (a) working guy.”

On Monday, a witness suggested he was upset before the stabbing.

“He didn’t like getting called ‘dog’ because he was not affiliated with the gangs,” the man, whom Action News cannot name, said.

Attorneys on both sides agree there was a homicide, even revealing that Esquibel died of multiple stab wounds.

The 59-year-old has pleaded not guilty to murder. His daughter took the stand.

“I heard a knock on the door, I opened it,” the woman said. “It was Navajo standing there bleeding from his chest. He just said, ‘he got me.'”

That testimony was nine years in the making. Rodriguez’s daughter testified against him as a witness called to the stand by prosecutors.

“I saw somebody run out to the left side,” the woman said. “I just saw the back.”

Defense attorney Greg Gross then pushed back, pointing out that Rodriguez’s daughter didn’t recognize his voice.

The woman said she only saw the figure for half a second.

“Did you know what he sounds like?” Gross asked. “Yes,” the woman said.

“Did you hear his voice outside during the commotion?” Gross asked. “No,” she replied.

Rodriguez will return to court on January 27 as the case heads to trial.

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