"We'll see each other in Hell"; murder trial continues in Medford

Medford, Ore. — The murder trial for Jose Valencia-Gaona continues in Jackson County. The Medford man is accused of fatally stabbing 38-year-old Maria Rodriguez outside her Medford apartment September 1st, 2013. On Thursday, jurors heard from several law enforcement officers who collected evidence for the case in the days and weeks following Rodriguez’s murder. A community service officer testified to the surveillance video he collected at businesses that were near the scene of the crime, and detectives recounted the day of Valencia’s arrest.

“When he got up he repeatedly said “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” and he was saying that in English,” Detective Diane Sandler testified.

Testimony was also given about phones collected by law enforcement and the text messages found on them. Though it was unclear who was the sender and the recipient, it alluded to the fact that some form of relationship was ending. The defense requested that certified translators be used to deliver the content.

Translated text messages read in part, “I don’t need this kind of man in my life”, “you are sick”, and “we’ll see each other in hell, honey, goodbye.”

The prosecution also called civilian witnesses to the stand. The lead detective in the case, Jim Williams of the Medford Police Department, is expected to testify Friday.