After seven days of trial, today Bernadette Perusquia was found guilty of murder.
A jury decided there was no evidence to support her allegations of killing her husband, Juan Perusquia, in self-defense. She claimed she was a victim of domestic violence and her husband had attacked her before and she killed him in self-defense..
Carolina garcia was at the trial today, and has our top story.
Bernadette Perrusquia is found guilty of murdering her husband.
Her allegations of being a victim of domestic were not enough for the jury that found her guilty.
It was the end of an 8 year chapter for the family of Juan Perusquia. On May 14, 2003 Juan Perusquia was killed by his own wife. Soon after that, the case was taken to court and was ruled a mistrial. But 7 days ago a second trial began, and today his wife, Bernadette Perusquia was found guilty of murder. District Attorney says:
"We are very pleased, that the jury here in Webb County were able to see through her false claim that was being raised here, and that Mr. Perusquia's life was taken without justification"
During the trial, Perrusquia claimed she was a victim of domestic violence and killed her husband in self defense.
Alaniz says, the jury did not find evidence to support her accusations:
"Because there was a false claim of domestic violence that was being made by ms. perusquia."
After Judge Joe Lopez read the jury’s veredict, the defense brought witnesses including her 13 yr old daughter to testify on Perusquia’s behalf, in an effort to get probation instead of jail time.
Bernadette Perusquia faces 5 to 99 years to life in prison, and Alaniz says domestic vilence is not taken lightly in the State of Texas:"Let me say this, domestic violence is a very serious crime in the state of texas and the law does provide for self defense. but there was no evidence that the murder, on this case, the killing on this case was justified"
The family of the victim says they have mixed emotions on the case, but are happy with the veredict "with mixed emotions, sorrow, happiness, because we are looking for closure. but closure depends on the family to start, slowly, together."
For them this isn't over, there is a little boy, the son of Bernadette and Juan Perrusquia, who’s custody hasn't been decided yet.bernadette.
At this time the jury is still deliberating on the punishment bernadette Perusquia will receive .