LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A Webb County jury delivered a split verdict Friday in the murder case of Alfredo Villarreal, acquitting one defendant while his co-defendant entered a guilty plea before a verdict was reached.

The jury found Javier Contreras not guilty of murder and not guilty of tampering with evidence in connection with Villarreal’s death. Meanwhile, Christian Salinas entered a guilty plea before the jury could reach a verdict in his case.

Both men were charged in 2022 with the murder of Villarreal.

According to the Webb County District Attorney’s Office, the state alleged that Contreras ordered the killing after Villarreal allegedly assaulted his niece, Kayleen Contreras .

A sentencing hearing for Salinas will be scheduled at a later date.

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