Man facing murder charges waives preliminary hearing

David Young, (Bio) dyoung@greeleytribune.com
April 26, 2008

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A 16-year-old boy charged with first-degree murder for driving the suspected shooter to and from the scene, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Friday morning.

Oscar Marquez is charged with the shooting of Luis Rocha, 44, also known as Jose Luis Luna, as well as first-degree burglary and attempted aggravated robbery.

According to police Marquez drove his uncle Mauricio Puente-Hernandez, 27, John Paul Romero, 25, and Adrian Gomez, also charged with murder in the shooting, to the 2500 block of Ash Avenue on Jan. 5 where the shooting occurred.

Puente-Hernandez, Romero and Gomez appeared in court earlier this week for their combined preliminary hearing. There, police said Marquez told them he heard someone racking a gun, racking is a method of getting a gun ready to fire. He also told police a man in the car, referred to as Johnny, said "I've got the heat ready."

While the three men attempted to rob Rocha of his drugs, in turn shooting him twice when he pulled out a knife, police said Marquez drove around until he received a call from Puente-Hernandez to pick up the three men and drive them back to Gomez's home. Marquez also was able to identify Gomez in a photo lineup, police said.

Marquez's arraignment is 10:30 a.m. July 2. He is being held without bond. *This story was updated May 6 to reflect the following correction: Oscar Marquez, charged with first-degree murder, burglary and attempted aggravated robbery, is 16-years-old. The men drove to Gomez's home and Marquez identified Gomez. A Saturday article incorrectly stated his age, charge, location and ID.