State v. Aguelera and Martinez

David Velasco and appellants Mike Aguelera and Joe Martinez were jointly indicted in the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis for the killing of one Nathan Broddon, the indictment charging murder in the first degree. Upon arraignment each pleaded not guilty and thereafter a severance was granted to Velasco. Aguelera and Martinez were tried jointly and both were found guilty of murder in the first degree, the jury assessing the punishment of each at death. Aguelera was sentenced in accordance with the verdict. The court reduced Martinez's punishment to life imprisonment in the penitentiary…