Benny Verdugo held on Open Count Murder charge
August 10, 2026 Deming I Sixth Judicial District Attorney Norman R. Wheeler announced today that Benny Verdugo, 73, will remain in custody without bond as his case goes through the judicial process. Verdugo is charged with an open count of murder in the 1st degree in the death of Uziel Barrera.
The decision follows a pre-trial detention hearing presided over by the Honorable District Court Judge Jennifer DeLaney. Chief Deputy District Attorney Cashmala Fazal and Chief Deputy District Attorney George Zsoka represented the State.
Judge DeLaney granted the State's Motion for Pretrial Detention after finding Probable Cause to bind Verdugo over for trial. The court determined that Verdugo poses a danger to the community, ordering him to be held in custody through trial.
"Holding offenders accountable is a top priority for this office," said District Attorney Wheeler. "The compelling evidence presented by our prosecution team at the hearing was vital in securing Judge DeLaney's ruling to keep the community safe."
