L-R: Alejandro Cantu, Gustavo Cantu and Jacob Ventura (Photos source: Brown County Jail)
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Three suspects in a Green Bay murder will be tried together this fall, a judge ruled Monday — granting prosecutors’ request not to hold what would amount to the same trial three times over.
Gustavo Cantu, Alejandro Cantu and Jacob Ventura are each charged with being party to the crime of first-degree intentional homicide for the shooting death of Randall Denny at Perkins and Western avenues on April 30, 2022. Police have said the murder appeared to be tied a drug deal.
Because of the way cases are assigned as they are filed, all three are appearing before different judges. However, Brown County District Attorney David Lasee filed a motion Jan. 25, asking for the three cases to be merged. He argued that with more than 50 identical witnesses in each case, it makes logistical sense to try them together, rather than hold three trials. All three defense opposed the merger, citing several factors — including concerns about additional delays.
In court Monday, Judge Thomas Walsh said none of the defense attorneys cited any law which would prohibit merger, so they will be joined.
“I am satisfied, that at this time I am going to order these cases joined for trial. Based upon all of the information that I have before me, based upon the assertions, the entirety of the record in this case, and that’s going to be the order of the court,” Walsh said.
A trial was set for Sept. 9. The parties return to court for a status conference April 17.
Comments