Approximately 30 loved ones of Fullerton College student Andrea Vazquez filled a downtown Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday, as the suspect charged with her murder, Gabriel Esparza, attended his first preliminary hearing in the case.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kerry L. White motioned for a new preliminary setting date of Jan. 23, 2024, according to an email to The Hornet by Los Angeles County District Attorney’s representative Venusse Dunn. Esparza pleaded not guilty to seven charges of murder, kidnapping and attempted rape on Aug. 23, 2023.
Retired LAPD Detective Moses Castillo, who serves as the Vazquez family’s advocate and spokesperson, said Esparza’s preliminary settings may be drawn out over the next calendar year or potentially into 2025 before an official trial begins.
Some of Vazquez’s loved ones wore white T-shirts that said, “In Loving Memory,” with a photograph of Vazquez and her birthday written on it. A few relatives and friends appeared at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center half an hour before the preliminary setting, while a large group of family members, including Vazquez’s mother and sister, entered just moments before Esparza was called in by the bailiff.
Esparza, who is being represented by criminal defense attorney Ambrosio Rodriguez, entered the courtroom wearing handcuffs and an orange jumpsuit. He was taken back to custody after less than a minute.
LA County Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman, who is representing the People of the State of California in this case, appeared remotely with audio only.
Castillo first heard about Vazquez’s disappearance through an Instagram post made by the Whittier Police Department in August 2023.
“Little did I think, that just a few hours later the family would be reaching out to me,” said Castillo.
After Esparza was taken back into custody, Vazquez’s family left the courtroom and gathered in the corridor, circling up so everyone could hear Castillo. In Spanish, he spoke on what happened in court Wednesday morning, as well as what the upcoming proceedings will look like.
“I gave the family a heads up that all they’re probably going to probably do, is just change the date,” said Castillo.
The next preliminary setting in January will take place again in Dept. 050 in the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles.
Marina Bonilla • Nov 15, 2023 at 1:06 pm
I want to thank Moses for helping the family and for keeping us informed of Andreas case. Andrea was a very good friend to my daughter and her death has caused my daughter so much pain.