High Profile Media Cases
Mitchell Barrows, 23, is charged with murdering his 6-week-old son in 2019. The defense argues the cause of death is unclear, challenges the medical findings, and emphasizes his innocence, cooperation, and lack of prior abuse history.
Mario Carreto-Morales was sentenced to at least 30 years for murder and aggravated kidnapping. Despite defense efforts, he pleaded guilty and received consecutive 15-to-life terms.
Alexander Leroy Vasquez pleaded guilty to reduced manslaughter charges for the 2012 shootings of his uncle and another man. The defense argued the incident was not premeditated, occurring during a gunfire exchange, and emphasized his acceptance of responsibility.
From a defense perspective, applying Utah's gang enhancement law to protesters raises concerns about overreach and potential violations of free speech. Defense attorneys argue it may be used to pressure plea deals and call for legislative reforms to ensure it aligns with its intended purpose.
In Kevin Billings' trial for the murder of officer Jill Robinson, defense attorney Nick Falcone highlighted his remorse, age, and family ties, requesting bail for medical care. However, the judge denied bail, citing concerns over the severity of the crime and potential self-harm.
Defense attorney Nick Falcone argued that William Estell's childhood abuse contributed to his actions, claiming the system failed both Estell and his victims. Despite this, the judge emphasized Estell's responsibility and imposed a harsh sentence.
In State v. Lopez, the defense argued that improper jury instructions violated the defendant's due process rights, claiming the trial court misinstructed the jury on the charges. The Utah Supreme Court, however, upheld the conviction, finding that the jury instructions were appropriate and the defendant's rights were not violated.
The defense may argue for leniency, citing the defendant’s remorse, lack of criminal history, and cooperation, while asserting immigration status and insurance issues didn’t cause the crash.
The defense in Mario Cervantes-Angel's case highlighted his personal history, remorse, and mitigating factors, aiming for a more compassionate sentence despite the severity of the crime.
In the trial of Komasquin Lopez, charged with murdering his wife, the defense argued her death was a self-inflicted gunshot during a domestic dispute, not a murder, citing her distress and methamphetamine use.
​​In the 2011 death of Jennifer Schubach, defense attorney Nick Falcone argued that Todd Anderson's use of a choke hold was intended to subdue, not kill, highlighting the couple's mutual drug and alcohol use. He emphasized that Anderson did not intend to cause death and was unaware of Schubach's resulting death when he left.
In Joshua Valasi Saunders' trial for the murder of Mechelle Lindberg, defense attorney Nick Falcone questioned the investigation's focus, highlighting potential leads involving other suspects and suggesting Saunders' impaired state and mental health might impact his confession.