CHICAGO (AP) — The fate of a Chicago man accused of using Snapchat to offer a $10,000 bounty on a Border Patrol commander is now in the hands of a federal jury.
Juan Espinoza Martinez, a 37-year-old carpenter, is charged with a single count of murder-for-hire following a trial that underscores the complex issues surrounding immigration enforcement.
The crux of the prosecution’s case relies on Snapchat exchanges between Espinoza Martinez and a government informant. One of the messages stated, 10k if u take him down, alongside a photo of Gregory Bovino, the commander known for leading stringent immigration crackdowns.
Prosecutors emphasize that these messages illustrate a serious intent, while the defense argues they were simply harmless neighborhood gossip. Espinoza Martinez claims he was unwinding with beers after work when he sent the messages and did not mean them seriously.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years behind bars. With tensions already high in Chicago due to ongoing immigration issues, the trial draws attention not only to Espinoza Martinez's case but to the broader implications for many communities.
The jury's decision will hinge on whether they see the messages as a genuine threat or just casual banter.
