Jury begins deliberations in Alexander Rodriguez sexual‑abuse case after judge reads charge
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Summary
In Bexar County 187th District Court, Judge Stephanie Boyd read the jury charge in the trial of Alexander Rodriguez on three child‑sex counts; the jury was sent to deliberate after closing arguments from both sides.
A jury in Bexar County's 187th District Court began deliberations after Judge Stephanie Boyd read the court's jury charge in the trial of Alexander Rodriguez, who faces three counts stemming from alleged sexual abuse of a minor.
Judge Stephanie Boyd read the elements the jury must find for each count, saying the indictment charges continuous sexual abuse of a young child and two counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact. The judge instructed jurors on statutory definitions and on their duties. "You are the exclusive judges of the facts proved, of the credibility of the witnesses, and of the weight to be given the testimony," Boyd said while delivering the charge. She also reminded jurors not to consult outside information and that written communications to the court must be routed through the deputy.
The court's charge restated statutory language from the Texas Penal Code cited in the indictment and explained that count 1 requires proof of two or more acts over a period of 30 or more days; counts 2 and 3 require jury unanimity as to the specific alleged instance charged. The court also instructed jurors that the defendant has elected not to testify and that that choice must not be considered against him.
In closing arguments, prosecutors urged jurors to find the charges proven beyond a reasonable doubt, while defense counsel challenged the state's investigation and the reliability of witness accounts, arguing inconsistencies and gaps in evidence. Defense counsel pressed that delays and missing investigative steps reduced the prosecution's case to questions for the jury. The prosecution countered that multiple, consistent accounts and corroborating details supported a guilty verdict.
After closing arguments and the court's instructions, the jurors received a written version of the charge and the court answered a juror question about whether the complainant had attended family vacations with the defendant by directing the jurors to consider the evidence already admitted and continue deliberations. The jury was excused to begin deliberating; the court instructed them to direct any further questions in writing through the deputy.
The indictment in this case (filed June 18, 2024) lists three counts and charges offenses defined in the Texas Penal Code. The court's charge and the parties' closing statements served as the final instructions before the jury retired to the jury room.
The trial record shows extensive testimony and exhibits admitted at trial; the jurors were given standard admonitions about not using electronic devices or social media and about avoiding outside research while they deliberate.
