State to seek death penalty for one of the suspects charged in connection to slain San Benito officer

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The State will be seeking the death penalty for one of the two suspects charged in connection to the deadly shooting of a San Benito officer.

Rogelio Martinez Jr. and Rodrigo Axel Espinosa-Valdez are each facing charges of capital murder of a peace officer in connection to the death of Lt. Milton Resendez. On Wednesday, the Cameron County District Attorney announced he will seek the death penalty for Martinez.

Left: Rogelio Martinez Jr. Right: Rodrigo Axel Espinosa-Valdez

The State will not be seeking the death penalty for Espinosa-Valdez, officials told ValleyCentral.

Martinez and Espinosa Valdez are also facing six additional counts of attempt to commit capital murder of a peace officer. Martinez has been charged with an additional count of prohibited weapon, while Espinosa Valdez has two additional counts of evading arrest with a vehicle.

On Oct. 17, the two men were involved in a chase, consisting of multiple law enforcement agencies. At one point, Lt. Resendez was shot as his unit crossed paths with the suspects, an affidavit stated.

ValleyCentral obtained their arrest warrants and court documents, which provided details into the pursuit, shooting and subsequent arrests.

Martinez and Espinosa Valdez entered a plea of not guilty last month.