There has been little judicial movement on the Ofelia Murillo case, but that does not mean progress hasn't been made.
Murillo, currently in the custody of the Churchill County Jail, was arraigned last November in Justice Court on first-degree murder and other charges relating to the shooting death of her ex-husband, Caesar Alvarado Jauregui, on September 23, 2020.
The allegations against Murillo include murder in the first degree – defined as a deliberate and premeditated killing. If there are mitigating factors, the sentence could be reduced to 50 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole. She was also charged with using a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime, specifically a 9 mm handgun. In Nevada, using a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime potentially doubles a criminal sentence adding 1-20 years in prison. Murillo was also charged with being a principal to the commission of a felony, by direct or indirect involvement, criminal conspiracy, destroying evidence to conceal the commission of a crime, and driving without a valid driver’s license.
In February, Murillo appeared before Justice Court Judge Benjamin Trotter for a status hearing, during which Judge Trotter ordered a competency evaluation. She was then transported to Lakes Crossing Center in Sparks, which provides forensic mental health services for the state and determines a defendant’s competency to stand trial.
On April 27, Murillo appeared in District Court after having been returned to custody from Lakes Crossing. She was found competent by the psychiatric staff at Lakes Crossing, and as such, a Stipulation and Order for Remand to Justice Court was filed, placing the case back into the hands of Judge Trotter.
Murillo is potentially facing the death penalty. According to New River Justice Court, Murillo’s next scheduled appearances are on November 4th and 5th.
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