DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News ) – The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office has asked a judge to dismiss murder charges for two defendants in connection to the killing of 23-year-old Marisela Botello Valadez of Seattle on October 5, 2020.
Prosecutors argue Lisa Dykes, who is currently standing trial, fatally stabbed Valadez in a jealous rage over the woman’s sexual encounter with Charles Beltran.
Beltran is Dykes’ former lover and testified that he, the defendant and her wife Nina Marano had a three-way relationship.
He told jurors on Friday he witnessed Dykes stab Valadez while the two were in bed together and tried unsuccessfully to push Dykes off of the screaming victim before she died.
Beltran also claimed he fled the state over fear of being blamed for the murder.
Valadez’ body was found in a wooded area near Wilmer almost six months later.
During the investigation, Dykes and Marano jumped bond and fled to Cambodia. The two were eventually arrested in Florida. Beltran was arrested in Utah.
Beltran and Marano are each still facing a tampering with evidence charge.
The state is expected to wrap its case early this week.
Dykes is expected to take the stand in her defense.
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