FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — The case against an accused Orange Cove killer is now moving forward after nine years.<\/p>\n
Fresno County Superior Court Judge Brian Alvarez ruled on Monday that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.<\/p>\n
Action News could not show Basilio Rodriguez’s face in court. His attorney argued there could be an identity issue.<\/p>\n
Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Rodriguez last October, saying he killed Angel Esquibel at the Orchard Village Apartments in November 2016.<\/p>\n
Neighbors previously described the victim, who went by “Navajo,” as a “good guy, (a) working guy.”<\/p>\n
On Monday, a witness suggested he was upset before the stabbing.<\/p>\n
“He didn’t like getting called ‘dog’ because he was not affiliated with the gangs,” the man, whom Action News cannot name, said.<\/p>\n
Attorneys on both sides agree there was a homicide, even revealing that Esquibel died of multiple stab wounds.<\/p>\n
The 59-year-old has pleaded not guilty to murder. His daughter took the stand.<\/p>\n
“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.'”<\/p>\n
That testimony was nine years in the making. Rodriguez’s daughter testified against him as a witness called to the stand by prosecutors.<\/p>\n
“I saw somebody run out to the left side,” the woman said. “I just saw the back.”<\/p>\n
Defense attorney Greg Gross then pushed back, pointing out that Rodriguez’s daughter didn’t recognize his voice.<\/p>\n
The woman said she only saw the figure for half a second.<\/p>\n
“Did you know what he sounds like?” Gross asked. “Yes,” the woman said.<\/p>\n
“Did you hear his voice outside during the commotion?” Gross asked. “No,” she replied.<\/p>\n
Rodriguez will return to court on January 27 as the case heads to trial.<\/p>\n
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