Prosecutors reported today that approximately seven months of plea negotiations with Marvin Palencia have failed and that they are refocusing on securing an indictment in the case.
Palencia, 35, is suspected of shooting Jacobo Vazquez, a former co-worker who had been romantically involved with his wife, then wrapping the body in a cardboard box with plastic wrap and duct tape and dumping it alongside a roadway.
AUSA Emily Miller told Jackson that the government had been in plea negotiations with Palencia since February, but that no agreement had been reached.
Palencia’s defense attorney, Lauren Bernstein, did not oppose an extension to the nine-month indictment deadline. By law, without an extension, prosecutors would have had to secure the indictment before Aug. 22.
Palencia is due back in court Nov. 4 for a status hearing. He is currently in custody.
