Third defendant to plead in murder

A third defendant is expected to plead guilty in exchange for his testimony in a 1998 murder case involving a dozen others.

In a plea agreement dated Aug. 23., Julian Contreras, 19, has agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge of battery with the use of a deadly weapon in the motel-room beating of Sammy Resendiz. The agreement was filed on the fourth anniversary of Resendiz's death.

In exchange for his testimony, Carson City District Attorney Noel Waters will dismiss other charges pending against Contreras, according to the agreement.

He can be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.

Contreras is the third person to plead to a lesser charge.

David Aaron Moyle pleaded guilty in April 1999 to a negotiated charge of conspiracy to commit battery with a deadly weapon and Alejandro Avila pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary in November 1998.

The state's case against Rocky Boice Jr., began with opening statements Thursday. Testimony will resume Tuesday. He is charged with first-degree murder, burglary, battery with the use of a deadly weapon and conspiracy to commit battery. If convicted he can be sentenced to life in prison.

Eight other defendants will be tried in the next seven months.

The prosecution contends Boice, Contreras, Avila, and Moyle along with Frederick Fred, Sylvia Fred, Clint Malone, Jaron Malone, Lew Dutchy, Elvin Fred and Michael Kizer, at the prompting of Jessica Evans, went to room 103 of the Roundhouse Motel to enact revenge against the man Evans said had slapped her earlier in the evening.

Resendiz and Carlos Lainez were in the room when the group arrived and were beaten with bats, metal pipe, chains and sticks, according to Waters. Resendiz died 12 hours later from his injuries. Lainez survived.