Video and surgeon testimony show intestinal injuries in assault trial of Mariano Rendon

A video of a barroom altercation and testimony from a trauma surgeon were shown to jurors in Bexar County'''s 187th District Court as the state pressed aggravated-assault charges against Mariano Rendon.

Prosecutor Megan Galloway told jurors the indictment alleges Rendon caused "serious bodily injury" to Pablo Rodriguez Salazar during an early-morning disturbance at El VolcE1n, and described Rendon as the club'''s owner. Galloway said the video admitted as State's Exhibit 2 shows Rendon dropping a knee onto Rodriguez's abdomen; the jury saw a paused portion of that video during testimony.

The case matters because the outcome will turn on whether jurors find the force used was excessive and whether it caused the severe intestinal injuries for which the victim underwent surgery. The prosecution presented both eyewitness and medical evidence to connect the bar confrontation to the injuries Rodriguez later suffered.

In opening statements, Galloway summarized the state's version: Rodriguez and his partner went to El VolcE1n for a birthday celebration; at last call security was collecting open drinks, and after an encounter Rodriguez was forced to the floor. "The force that was exhibited by the defendant in this case was excessive," Galloway told jurors, adding prosecutors would ask the jury to find Rendon guilty of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury.

Defense attorney Larry Blomquist told…