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Falls City Murder Trial Underway

By Brian Hagen

11/30/2016

(KLZA)--A first degree murder trial is underway in Richardson County District Court after being postponed three times.

35-year-old Desiderio Hernandez of Falls City is on trial for the August 4, 2015 murder of his 31-year-old cousin.

Hernandez is accused of shooting Joseph Debella Jr. in the basement of a Falls City home. Debella died eight days later.

Along with first degree murder, Hernandez is charged with use of a weapon to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

After the shooting, Hernandez left the home, gaining a ride to Horton, Kansas where he was arrested following a near seven hour standoff with authorities.

Jury selection was completed Monday afternoon followed by opening arguments.

The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office is handling the prosecution.

In earlier court proceedings, an attorney for Hernandez argued the element of “Killing” was not proven since Debella died only after being taken off life support equipment.

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