Teens charged in teacher’s death indicted

Heather Cory

From right to left, Jose Delatorre and Juan Aguirre stand as their case is discussed at Henderson Justice Court on Wednesday. Charged with the murder of Matthew Cox, a music teacher at Basic High School, Delatorre and Aguirre’s case will move to Clark County Justice Court where their case will be heard in front of a grand jury.

By Jeff O'Brien (contact)

Published Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009 | 10:45 a.m.

Updated Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009 | 5:20 p.m.

Remembering Matt Cox

Viewing video requires the latest version of Adobe's Flash Player

Students and teachers remember slain choir director Matt Cox with music at a memorial service for him at Basic High School.

The two teenagers accused of killing Basic High School teacher Matthew Cox were indicted today following a grand jury hearing at District Court.

Prosecutors decided to present their evidence before a grand jury rather than at a preliminary hearing, which was scheduled for this morning, but was canceled.

Jose Delatorre, 18, and Juan Aguirre, 17, each face six charges in the indictments including murder, robbery, burglary and kidnapping in the death of Basic High School choir teacher Matthew Cox on Dec. 22. Both were arrested by Henderson Police on Dec. 23, and Aguirre is being tried as an adult.

The case was moved from Henderson Justice Court to Clark County District Court, said Andrea Luem, Delatorre’s attorney.

During a grand jury hearing, which is closed to the public, only the judge, grand jurors, prosecutors and prosecution witnesses can be present, she said.

“The District Attorney always has the choice of proceeding by way of preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment,” Luem said. “Sometimes, there are things they don’t want the public to know about.”

The arraignment for Delatorre and Aguirre is at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 at District Court, at which time both defendants will plead not guilty, Luem said.

Prosecutors could not be reached for comment regarding the indictment.

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or jeff.obrien@hbcpub.com.

Discussion: 5 comments so far…

By musicislife

2/11/09 at 8:36 p.m.

Suggest removal

How can two confessed murderers plead not guilty? That makes NO sense! Again, look at Juan's face and tell any of us how humble and sorry he looks for what he and his brother did. Sorry, but it's true. All of us who are still in choir or were friends and family of Mr Cox miss him SOOOOOO much. Nothing is the same without him here. Nothing.

We are ALL praying those two never have a day of freedom for the rest of their lives.
By starrynite7

2/12/09 at 6:07 a.m.

Comment removed by staff.
By Audball09

2/16/09 at 10:01 p.m.

Suggest removal

Guilty people plead not guilty because it often makes their sentence shorter or less harsh. It seem that when they plead not guilty it makes the case go longer because more evidence is presented. So basically, they're trying to get of easy. Maybe not get off, but get off easy.
Way to go to our US legal system! Where murderers can get off with a slap on the wrist. Awesome.
By City_girl_91_09

2/19/09 at 3:41 p.m.

Suggest removal

For all of you guys who like to sit there and talk sh*t about these two people, You guys dont know them! You dont know the real them. As a matter of fact you guys dont even know the whole story! So you guys need just sit there and keep your mouths shut! I've known these two for years and with everything I still love them like family! Who are you guys to judge them? You arent.
By Mattsdad

4/5/09 at 2:58 p.m.

Suggest removal

We don't know the real them? We don't know the whole story!? I suppose you do? No, we aren't judging them. Let's see. How many times was Jose in jail? With what I hear about Juan and his closest friends and family members, he lied all the time to them. Yes, including you. Unfortunately, we will never know the truth to what happened. The only side we get to hear is the side of someone who would take the life of a man so loved by so many. Many murder victims are killed for no reason all the time. Jealousy! Matt was trying to help Juan become something Jose wasn't. Sad that you believe someone who has told so many lies. Matthew was asked by Juan's social worker to mentor Juan. Matt thought that was cool to be asked by someone in that position to help. Poor Matt made the wrong choice. Juan began skipping school, his grades went down and he even ran away from his foster home. Juan didn't care. Nice guy? The cards and letters our home has received for Matt in regards to this tragedy are truly amazing! Anyone who knows Matthew knows the stories the brothers have told are not true. We will never know what took place but we do know what DID NOT happen. Matthew has the reputation of wanting to help. He will always be remembered and loved for that. I'm sorry for the students that Matt will not be able to help when they're feeling like they don't belong. Ask the many students who Matt has helped throughout all the years. Their hearts, along with anyone who knew and knows Matt, are breaking. Matthew is and will be forever loved!