KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | 14-Year-Old Mendota Murder Suspect Pleads Not Guilty

14-Year-Old Mendota Murder Suspect Pleads Not Guilty

By: Ashley Ritchie

The family of four–year–old Alex Mercado showed up to court Tuesday wearing t–shirts that read "Forever in my heart" with Alex’s birthday and the day he was brutally murdered.

Inside the courtroom, his alleged killer entered a plea of not guilty.

14–year–old Raul Castro is accused of sexually molesting Alex Mercado on October 30th at his family's apartment, then drowning the little boy and stuffing his body in a clothes dryer; a series of events Castro confessed to in an interview with Fresno County Sheriff's Deputies.

"Confessions by juveniles are particularly suspect because juveniles are more prone than adults to be susceptible to pressure, they're more likely to say what they think someone wants to hear so that this can be over and done with," Mark King, local defense attorney, said.

King says, despite his confession, Castro’s ‘not guilty’ plea is pretty common.

"By pleading not guilty, you've got something you can bring to the table, which is always: we can change our plea," he said.

King says Castro’s attorney will more than likely begin by ordering a complete psychological make–up of the suspect.

"I can tell you that in all likelihood, if this young man did commit these acts, in all likelihood, he was molested when he was younger," he said.

King also adds he expects to see this case settle before going to trial.

"I don't personally go to trial unless I think I can win. Otherwise, it's a waste of everybody's time. And often the sentence given after the conviction is more harsh than the sentence would've been had the defendant pled to a charge before trial," he said.

Just a month ago neighbors, Raul Castro and Alex Mercado’s family walked out of court after the plea without speaking.

But the pain in each of their hearts was loud and clear.

Castro's lawyer made a request in court that the suspect's brother be able to visit him while he's in custody.

The judge said that decision is up to probation.

Raul Castro is facing charges of first–degree murder, molestation and kidnapping.

He's being tried as an adult.

Castro is expected back in court December 15th for a preliminary hearing.