Press Coverage

Hearing on Clearing Two Men of Littlefield Murder Held

KLBK, Lubbock, Local News

Two men charged and convicted for the murder of a mother of four could get a second chance of freedom. Monday morning, a hearing to help clear them began.

In shackles, Alberto Sifuentes and Jesus Ramirez says they were never at the scene of the murder almost 10 years ago.

Evangelina Cruz was working the graveyard shift at a Littlefield store when she was gunned down. Both Sifuentes and Ramirez were tried and convicted.

Monday, a Dallas firm representing the men say evidence left out in the original trials will help clear their clients.

"These men were innocent," says defense attorney Barry McNeil. "We`re here today to present evidence that we hope and trust will secure their freedom. The tragedy occurred nine years ago and we`re trying to correct that."

State prosecutors and the family of Evangelina Cruz declined to comment. Although a district is hearing the evidence, only the Texas Court of Appeals can grant the men a new trial.