Attorney Oscar Selgado was back in court today as his mitigation hearing continued. The defense presented 7 witnesses who testified to Selgado's character, hoping to get him a light sentence, or maybe even a custodial one. However, as the proceedings continue, Selgado's medical condition worsens, and his attorney, Arthur Saldivar, explained that if his family doesn't deliver food to the prison every day, he cannot eat. Selgado also revealed in court that this has proven dangerous for at least one of his relatives.
Arthur Saldivar, Attorney
"The character witnesses for Mr Selgado came and testified as to how they know him, the kind of person he is and why it is they believe he should be given or shown mercy by the court."
Reporter:
"You also intend to call a medical practitioner on behalf of Mr Selgado?"
Arthur Saldivar, Attorney
"Yes a doctor had given a report detailing the condition that Mr Selgado is in and in so far as that person also works in an establishment, he would have required a subpoena to make it to court hence the reason the court adjourned today in order to facilitate that process to have him be here to come and testify."
"He's a chronic diabetic, he struggles with his condition. There's the problem that he has where the food is not adequate for him and as a result, he's relying heavily on his family to bring him food that he can actually eat. Outside of that there is a problem because there is no doctor available 24/7 at the prison so especially on a day like today, until Monday, Dr Novelo who is the only one, would not be there. So if something should happen to him while Dr Novelo is not there, there's no one to attend to him other than an inmate who is not capable of providing medical care. Furthermore, for some strange weekend his family cannot give him food over the weekend so Saturday and Sunday he has to either not eat or simply eat what is given to him at the prison which is processed food and anybody who has diabetes knows you cannot eat processed food, bologna, hot dogs, that's not what you want to have a diabetic person eat."
"I believe his nephew Kevin had gone to the prison to drop off food on Mr Selgado's behalf and on the way back home to Punta Gorda was caught in the accident, himself and his girlfriend both died."
Reporter:
"Your client is asking for non-custodial sentence, what is the actual likelihood that he would get that?"
Arthur Saldivar, Attorney
"I can't speak to likelihood, all I can say is that within the law, there are provisions that would allow for it and it is now our task to bring forward reasons that the court can consider in bringing itself to a position like that."
The mitigation hearing continues on May 23rd.
