TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A mother and son will be tried together in the shooting death of the son’s estranged wife in Topeka.
A Shawnee County District Court judge ruled that Manuela Alcala and her son, Manuel Alcala, will be tried together in the October 2012 death of 34-year-old Ashley Alcala. She was shot to death at her home.
The Alcalas, all of El Paso, Texas, wanted to be tried separately but District Judge Evelyn Wilson ruled Wednesday it was appropriate to consolidate the cases. The trial is scheduled to begin July 1.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the two are charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Two other men including another of Manuela Alcala’s son are also charged with first-degree murder in the woman’s death.
