Apr
23
Raul Castro, the Mendota teenager accused of raping and killing a 4-year-old boy, could learn his fate this morning.
Because Castro waived his right to a jury trial, Fresno County Superior Court Judge Jonathan Conklin will decide the verdict in a crime that shocked Mendota residents and shattered two families.
Attorneys concluded their closing arguments Thursday morning.
Castro, 15, is charged with kidnapping, raping and murdering Alex Mercado. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison.
Castro confessed to the crime, but the defense has portrayed him as a mentally ill boy who has suffered neglect and physical and sexual abuse, which ultimately drove him to kill.
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