The Garden City Telegram
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Girl's family concerned about possibility of teen posting bail
Published 3/24/2009 in Local News : Police
By SHAJIA AHMAD
Family members of a Deerfield girl who was found dead in December are worried that if a 17-year-old Garden City boy accused of murdering her is released on bond, he could pose a danger to others.
"I couldn't believe in a million years what happened to my granddaughter," said Mary Martin, grandmother of Julia Quintana, 16, who was found dead in an alleyway Dumpster in mid December. "I think the community should know what's going on, that if he gets out he could be very dangerous."
During a Friday hearing at the Finney County District Courthouse, Judge Richard Hodson ruled that Joaquin Deanda, who is charged with Quintana's murder, is competent to stand trial and will be certified as an adult. Hodson also set a court appearance bond of $500,000 based on the nature of the alleged crime and the seriousness of the charges, the judge said.
During the hearing, state prosecutors requested an $800,000 bond. Deanda's attorney, Doug Spencer, argued the amount was too high and said there was no reason to suspect his client would not appear in court. Spencer had asked for a $100,000 bond.
In making a decision, Hodson said he does not know whether the family has any financial ability to post the bail amount and that financial circumstances often are considered during debate. However, neither the defense nor prosecution brought up the matter during Friday's arguments.
Deanda's bond agreement includes the following conditions: He must make weekly appearances at the Finney County Sheriff's office and refrain from contacting members of the alleged victim's family, and he cannot travel out of Finney County.
As of this morning, Deanda still was being held at the Finney County Jail. He was arrested Dec. 21, 2008, on allegations of first-degree murder, rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and felony obstruction of legal process in connection with Quintana's death, whose body was found on Dec. 16 in a Dumpster in the west alley behind his residence at 1009 N. Fourth St. Evidence from an autopsy disclosed that Quintana died of suffocation, sustained a broken neck and was sexually assaulted, police said.
Martin said the death of her granddaughter has been extremely difficult for her family.
"My granddaughter isn't alive even though she was always a good person to everyone," Martin said. "Her birthday was on March 18, and it just tore our hearts. She's never going to go to her prom, have her wedding, have children or anything."
Deanda's mother, Margorie Romero, and a grandparent were present during the Friday hearing and both have made continued appearances through the court proceedings. Romero has previously declined to comment to The Telegram.
Deanda also is facing allegations in Otero County, Colo., said Otero County Deputy District Attorney Marty Barta.
On April 3, 2008, Deanda was arrested by police in La Junta, Colo., on allegations of first-degree arson when he was a resident of La Junta. Deanda allegedly set fire to his house in La Junta, according to an arrest affidavit. Deanda told his mother he started the fire because he was angry and that he did not feel remorseful about damaging the property, according to the affidavit.
A conference has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday to decide whether Spencer will continue to represent Deanda or if the court will assign a public defender.
Found 2 comment(s)!
Julia Quintana
This is a horrific crime that is unimaginable to every mother in america. How on earth could lowering this person's bail even be concidered. I agree with Julie's grandma, he is much to dangerous to be let out.
Posted by: Sheri on 3/30/2009
This is unfair to the people of garden city
Well I ThiNk that julias grandmother is correct about joaquins dangers to every one in the community and I don't think that justice was served to julias family and I just think that the judge should consider his descion more..well I personailly knew julia aka julie and she was a wonderful person and I just hope that her family will feel justice.
Posted by: Victoria collazo on 3/24/2009
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