Jury Returns Mixed Verdict In Zaragoza Trial

A Washington County  jury deliberated about nine hours before returning a mixed verdict in the case against Jose Zaragoza of Washington.  Zaragoza was accused of strangling and attempting to kidnap the mother of their child. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Giant Eagle in South Strabane Township. Prosecutors wound up testimony with police accounts of their interaction with the victim Liliana Escobar both at the scene and in subsequent interviews during the investigation. Zaragoza took the stand in his own defense. His account was 180 degrees opposite of the victim. He says that he reached into the car to try and hug Escobar. Her reaction caused him to put his hand over her mouth and nose and her throat as he tried to back away from her reaction to his hug. When asked why he drove off after he offered to call police for help from his cell phone and strangers arrived to the victim’s cries for help, he said that he did not want to get into trouble.  The jury returned a not guilty verdict on two counts, but rendered a deadlocked verdict on the remaining two charges.  The commonwealth must now decide whether to re-try him on the two deadlocked verdicts.  Zaragoza remains in the Washington County Jail.