“I think it’s going to be an impartial jury, someone that’s not really tied into the situation, and it works for both sides,” said Jesse Rizzo.
UVALDE, Texas — A judge has approved a change of venue in the case of former Uvalde CISD police officer Adrian Gonzales, who is facing felony charges related to the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting.
The trial, originally set for Uvalde County, will now take place in Nueces County. Gonzales faces 29 felony counts of abandoning and endangering a child for his role in the failed law enforcement response during the shooting that claimed the lives of 19 students and two teachers in May 2022.
Amy Franco, a teacher who was on campus during the tragedy, said she disagrees with the court’s decision to move the trial.
“I wish that the trial would have been held here in Uvalde,” Franco said. “The whole world saw it. I think it doesn’t matter where it’s going to be.”
Despite her frustration, Franco said she is committed to attending the proceedings, wherever they may be held.
“I will travel wherever to see and to fight for accountability,” she said.
Gonzales’ attorney, Nico LaHood, said the defense welcomed the ruling.
“Uvalde is such a small community,” LaHood said. “I think everyone agrees this was an evil, horrible act that happened. But we needed a jury that could be as objective as possible, and not so emotionally charged.”
Jesse Rizzo, the uncle of 9-year-old victim Jackie Cazares, also voiced support for the venue change.
“I think it’s going to be an impartial jury — someone who’s not really tied into the situation,” Rizzo said. “It works for both sides.”
Although the trial will now take place more than 200 miles away in Corpus Christi, Rizzo said he plans to make the trip for his niece.
“She fought to the very end. She had a pulse when the shooting ended. She made it to the hospital. So, that’s the least — the minimum — we can do in her honor,” he said.
LaHood said the defense team is prepared for trial and maintains they have not seen any evidence that substantiates the charges brought against Gonzales.
The trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 5 in Nueces County.