A trial is underway this week in Lancaster County Court regarding the 2014, drive-by killing of a Manheim Township man, just outside the city.
Mathew S. Morales, 25, is charged with homicide for the June 21, 2014, shooting death of Xavier Garriga. Manheim Township police charged Morales with shooting Garriga, from a vehicle, as Garriga walked on New Holland Avenue. The two men had exchanged words in a nearby Turkey Hill store.
A jury was selected Monday morning for the trial, expected to last through the week.
Assistant District Attorney Mark Fetterman, prosecuting the case with Assistant District Attorney Maria Cusick, gave an opening statement after the panel was selected.
Testimony opened in the afternoon.
Garriga, 25, was found fallen on the sidewalk in the 800 block of New Holland Avenue, shortly after he called 911 about 3:20 a.m. Officers found a cellphone and container of nachos, which Garriga had just purchased from the store.
A store clerk testified the two men exchanged words over a “Jesus medallion” Morales was wearing.
Surveillance video showed Morales’ vehicle in relation to Garriga walking, which police allege eliminates any other vehicle from being in the area when Garriga was shot.
Manheim Township police Detective Brian Freysz filed charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright