Double homicide case in Maricopa sent to new grand jury

(AP) — A double homicide case against a man accused of killing a Maricopa couple last year and burying their bodies in his backyard has been sent back to a Pinal County grand jury.

James Mannato, a county public defender representing Valenzuela, filed a motion to remand, arguing that the county attorney's office presented no evidence to support motive or premeditation in the killings.

Mannato said a sheriff's detective gave misleading testimony during the grand jury proceedings, essentially speaking for Valenzuela when he was actually stating his personal opinion of what happened the night of the killings.

Mannato said he's hopeful a new grand jury will reach a different conclusion in the case and the defense will have the opportunity at a hearing to challenge the state's alleged aggravating factors that it believes justifies the death penalty.