Overview
- Jurors deliberated three days and twice reported being deadlocked, prompting Judge Ernest White to declare a mistrial on Monday.
- Prosecutors say Carlos Zambrano Bolivar joined the kidnapping and killing of Nilzuhly Petit after a dispute over proceeds from a nationwide ATM theft scheme tied to Tren de Aragua.
- The defense argues Bolivar was sex trafficked and acted under duress, while lead detective Karla Vazquez testified surveillance video showed no signs he was being coerced.
- The Department of Homeland Security says Bolivar and three co-defendants are illegally present Venezuelan nationals and documented members of Tren de Aragua.
- The case is Dallas County’s first capital murder prosecution linked to the Venezuelan gang, with a new jury to be selected for a retrial later this year.