Jury begins deliberation for Federal Way man accused of machete killing

The jury has begun deliberations in the murder trial of Rudy Garcia-Hernandez, who faces charges for the 2019 machete killing of 16-year-old Juan Carlos Con-Guzman, a case that underscores ongoing gang violence in the region. Prosecutor Jacqueline Lawrence presented compelling evidence, including witness testimony from ZO, who claimed that Garcia-Hernandez participated in the murder after Con-Guzman was attacked due to perceived disrespect towards the MS-13 gang. ZO, who was granted immunity for his cooperation, stated that Garcia-Hernandez delivered the fatal blow while Con-Guzman pretended to be dead. Defense attorney Wissam Itani argued that the prosecution's case relies too heavily on ZO's testimony, which he described as unreliable and self-serving. The defense emphasized that without concrete evidence proving Garcia-Hernandez's presence at the scene, the jury should find him not guilty.

This trial is particularly relevant to the Federal Way community, as it highlights the broader issue of gang-related violence and its impact on local safety. The case also raises questions about the reliability of witness testimonies in criminal proceedings, especially when immunity is granted. As the jury weighs the evidence, the outcome could influence future gang-related investigations and community responses to violence.