One of Guevera's accused killers appears in court

Lawyers from both sides on Monday discussed a motion of discovery filed by the defense in the case of Alexander Salgado, the man accused of murdering 16-year-old Jasmine Guevara.

The 21-year-old Salgado has been indicted for three felony charges — including first-degree murder — in the case. Salgado appeared Monday with his lawyers, Doug Papendick, Mitchell, and Mike Fink, Bridgewater.

Hanson County State’s Attorney Jim Davies and Assistant Attorney General Doug Barnett appeared for the prosecution.

Judge Sean O’Brien heard arguments from both sides regarding the discovery motion. Questions about the inclusion of investigating officers’ field notes and experts who could be required to provide background information, such as criminal records, were raised, but O’Brien said a final decision will be made at a hearing Feb. 22 in Mitchell.

Guevara was found dead in the trunk of a burned car in November. The incident occurred in rural Mitchell, just across the border of Hanson County.

Outside of the motions question, Davies said he has obtained an additional 184 pages of reports on the case. He expects to soon have a transcript, translated from Spanish, of an interview with the juvenile known as M.D., who police say also is involved in Guevara’s death. Because of her age, M.D. has remained anonymous, in accordance with the law.

Davies said he has received the results of four to five tests involved in the case. He has requested an additional four tests, including one involving fingerprints.

O’Brien ordered both sides to have all motions filed by Feb. 10.

The hearing comes only two days after Guevara’s body was buried in Calvary Cemetery outside of Mitchell.

Six members of Guevara’s family, including her mother, Ada, appeared at the hearing. She rested her head on a companion’s shoulder during much of the hearing. After the hearing ended, she left the room surrounded by family, tears streaming down her face.

Salgado barely spoke during the hearing, and made no eye contact with the family throughout the hearing.

Tags: jasmine guevara, alexander salgado, courts and crimes, news, local