People of the State of Colorado vs. Alberto Rincon
Jul 23, 2003OUTCOME: Manslaughter, Assault
Role in Case: Second Chair - responsible for replacement voir dire; opening statement; cross of various law enforcement witnesses; cross of civilian witnesses Charges: 2 Counts of 1st Degree Murde ... r (Intentional & Extreme Indifference) (Victim 1); 4 Counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit 1st Degree Murder (Victim 2 & 3); 1st Degree Assault (Victim 2); 2nd Degree Assault (Victim 3) Verdict: Reckless Manslaughter; 1st Degree Assault; 3rd Degree Assault This case arose from a drive by shooting in front of a bar in Pueblo. The intended victim (Victim 2) was shot in the knee; a bystander (Victim 1) was shot in the head as she dropped to the pavement; a third (Victim 3) was grazed in the leg. The drive by shooting was allegedly instigated by the sale of fake cocaine to Rincon by Victim 2. A co-defendant (who had been identified by bystanders as being in the car witih Rincon) became the chief prosecution witness against Rincon and testified that she was not in the car with Rincon at the time of the shooting, but was in a motel room dealing cocaine at the time of the shooting. She testified that Rincon came to her room after the shooting and admitted his involvement. Rincon owned a car that matched the description of the car described by bystanders, and he was seen at another bar near where the shooting took place very shortly before the shooting. He also hid a set of distinctive rims for this car that were similar to those described by bystanders. These were discovered at his brother's house in Kansas.
