Ruben Torres Jr., the man accused in the death of a 13-year old Harlingen girl who disappeared in 2007 and whose body was never recovered, will face a criminal trial on a capital murder charge in March.
Torres waived his right to arraignment Thursday morning in the 103rd state District Court, pleading not guilty to the capital murder and murder charges in the death of Abigail Estrada.
Torres, who was 17 at the time, was dating Estrada when she disappeared June 16, 2007. He was certified to stand trial as an adult last month. Torres, who was formerly from Harlingen, is now 25-years-old.
Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz says the case was one of several his cold case unit re-opened.
Torres’ trial is scheduled to begin March 21.
