MIAMI – Four Orlando men charged with the kidnapping and murder of Miami high school senior will be held without bond.
"I did not commit a crime," Cesar Mena said through a translator.
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Mena appeared in court this morning and spoke through an interpreter, denying he had anything to do with the crime. Circuit Judge Jerald Bagley warned Mena that he might want to remain silent until he has an attorney.
Bagley also appointed attorneys for three of the suspects.
The four men and a 16-year-old are charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, armed kidnapping and armed robbery. Police believe the five kidnapped Ana Maria Angel, 18, and her boyfriend Eddy Portobanco, 18.
Portobanco, who was dumped along I-95 in Pompano Beach, survived a beating and 15 stab wounds. Angel was shot to death. Her body was found along I-95 in south Palm Beach County.
Police believe Joel Lebron pulled the trigger.
"He's very upset, very concerned. He takes the charges very seriously. This is not a game to him," said Lebron's attorney, Steven Bustamante.
The fourth attorney in the case should be named by Friday and then arraignments will begin May 20.
Previous Stories:
- May 1, 2002 Friends, Family Remember Slain Teen At Memorial
- April 30, 2002: Lawyer Problems Arise After Teen's Slaying
- April 30, 2002: Mass Planned For Slain Teen As Suspects Await Arraignment
- April 30, 2002: Suspect's Fiancee Speaks To Media
- April 29, 2002: Family, Friends Try To Cope With Teen's Death
- April 29, 2002: Girl's Death Called Random Act Of Violence