August 8, 2005

In Cameron County Jose Ignacio Monterrubio was 17 years old when he and his older cousin Sixto Monterrubio raped, beat, stabbed and then strangled a female classmate from Brownsville Rivera High School in September 1993.

The two men buried the body of 16-year-old Carla Villarreal in a shallow grave near the airport. The body was found one month later.

Sixto Monterrubio was sentenced to life in prison.

Under state law, Jose Ignacio Monterrubio was tried as an adult and received a death sentence in October 1994.

First Cameron County District Attorney John Blaylock said his office will review the Supreme Courts ruling to see how it would apply to Monterrubios case.

"Well verify if the ruling is retroactive or proactive," Blaylock said. "Then well be able to make a comment."

According to federal court records, Jose Ignacio Monterrubio had lost a death sentence appeal in February 2004.

At press time Tuesday, Monterrubio remained on the Texas Department of Criminal Justices official list of 445 death row inmates.

According to court records, Sixto Monterrubio had asked for a forensic DNA testing.

Judge Roberto Garza with the 138th state District Court denied the request 2 weeks ago.