Teen accused of stabbing ex-girlfriend to stand trial as adult
October 08, 2010 4:35 PM
By JAZMINE ULLOA, The Brownsville Herald
A Lopez High School football player will stand trial as an adult in connection with the murder of his 17-year-old ex-girlfriend, Tiffany Galvan.

Javier de la Rosa Jr., 16, went before a judge Friday at the Darrell B. Hester Detention Center, where he has been held since his arrest in August. Cameron County Court at Law Judge Menton Murray certified de la Rosa as an adult based on results of mental health, psychological and psychiatric exams.

De la Rosa and his attorney, Rick Canales, waived the right to a hearing on the matter. Murray set bond at $500,000.

Chuck Mattingly, chief first assistant for the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office, had asked the judge to order de la Rosa held without bail or set the amount at $1 million, as prosecutors believe he is a flight risk.

But Canales said his client had no criminal record, no history of violence and did not abuse drugs. The boy’s father is migrant worker, and the family is of "modest means," the defense attorney said.

"It is hard for the family to come up with the money, but they will make an effort," he said. "We are innocent until proven guilty."

De la Rosa has been charged with murder in the death of Galvan, who was stabbed multiple times. The girl’s body was found on Aug. 25 in a remote area near Benavides Park in Brownsville.

The suspect’s mother, Lucy de la Rosa, stood behind her son during the hearing and wrapped her arms around his waist as the judge read his decision. She declined comment after the court proceeding.

Outside the detention center, Tiffany Galvan’s mother, Maria Esther Galvan, said she wanted justice but declined further comment.
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