Man requests lower bond in girlfriend murder case after judge grants accomplice reduction

MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Mission man who was arrested on charges of murder and tampering with evidence in 2023 filed a motion to reduce his bond after his accomplice was granted a reduction, according to Hidalgo County jail records.

Reynaldo Mercado III was arrested and charged in connection to the murder of his girlfriend, Editza Gomez.

Mercado was arrested along with Kristian Valenzuela Jr. in connection to Gomez's death.

Both men were charged with murder and tampering with evidence and each received a $3.5 million bond.

Left to right: Kristian Valenzuela Jr. and Reynaldo Mercado III (Hidalgo County Jail Records)

A probable cause affidavit states Valenzuela told police he saw Gomez dying in the kitchen the day of her murder. He said Mercado threatened him with a handgun and shotgun to help him conceal Gomez’s body by wrapping her in several layers of trash bags and putting her in the concealed compartment.

On Jan. 15, the court approved a bond reduction for Valenzuela.

Valenzuela's new bond was lowered to $105,000.

On Jan. 17, Mercado's defense attorney filed a request to reduce his $3.5 million bond to $105,000.

The motion states that Mercado is "illegally confined and restrained from his liberty" and that his "bond is excessive."

Background

Editza Gomez Mission PD

The search for Gomez began after she went missing in August 2023.

Authorities discontinued the search after Gomez's body was found in the attic of a Mission residence two weeks after she went missing.

Jail records show Mercado's next court hearing is scheduled on April 16.