Witnesses take stand in day 3 of El Gallito trial

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — ValleyCentral is in the courtroom to learn about new developments in day three of the murder trial against the man accused of killing Ernesto Gonzales, a well-known Valley criminal defense attorney who went by the nickname "El Gallito."

Three witnesses took the stand Thursday. All were either officers or employees of the Harlingen Police Department at the time of Gonzalez’s disappearance.

Former detective Joel Yanes was the latest to take the stand Thursday afternoon. His testimony dove into the timeline of Sonny Campos’ whereabouts on the day that Gonzalez was reported missing.

Yanes testified that he believes Campos, the defendant in this trial, had opportunity and some form of involvement in his uncle’s disappearance.

Yanes also touched on how in 2020, a police search of Campos’ goat farm property revealed Gonzalez’s skeletal remains.

Officer Scott Vega also testified regarding the initial searches of Campos’ goat farm. Vega testified that no videos or reports were made by police during those searches. Lack of evidence and improper police protocol have been at the forefront of this trial.

On June 19, Campos’ defense team filed a supplemental motion to suppress evidence, stating that law enforcement unlawfully searched his property on June 22, 2020, which resulted in the recovery of Gonzales’ remains.

To learn more about this case and the day's leading up to El Gallito's disappearance, read our previous coverage.