Murder trial rescheduled for defendant accused in high school teacher’s death

By Dave Toplikar

Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011 | 2:23 p.m.

A trial has been rescheduled for next February for Marcos Coronel Castrejon, 20, one of the six defendants accused in the robbery, beating and eventual death last year of a Las Vegas teacher.

Timothy VanDerbosch, an Eldorado High School physics and chemistry teacher, was attacked on Oct. 20, 2010, as he was walking to school.

At the request of Castrejon’s attorney, Bret O. Whipple, Clark County District Judge Jennifer Togliatti on Thursday reset Castrejon’s trial to begin at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 21.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Robert Daskas told the judge the state was ready to proceed on Sept. 6 in what was to have been the first of four separate trials scheduled in the case.

However, Whipple asked for the change for personal reasons. The judge accommodated him.

VanDerbosch died Oct. 20, 2010, after he was allegedly chased, robbed, beaten into unconsciousness and run over by a truck while he was walking to Eldorado High School.

The indictment alleges VanDerbosch was robbed using a firearm and/or a knife and hit and/or kicked in the head and body, causing him to fall into the road, where he was fatally struck by a truck. He died at University Medical Center.

A grand jury indicted each of the six defendants on multiple felony counts involving VanDerbosh's robbery and death and other robberies allegedly committed by the group.

Each of the defendants had been asked to be tried separately.

So far, one of the six defendants has worked out a plea agreement and a second defendant is also considering making a deal with the district attorney’s office.

Daniel Carrillo, 16, pleaded guilty last month to one count of second-degree murder, five counts of conspiracy to commit robbery, four counts of robbery with the use of a deadly weapon and one count of battery with the use of a deadly weapon.

He originally was charged with 24 felonies, including murder with a deadly weapon. He will be sentenced at 9 a.m. Sept. 23 by Togliatti.

Marison Diaz, 16, another defendant, is apparently working out a plea agreement with the district attorney’s office.

Her trial date set for July was canceled and a status check for her to possibly change her plea was set for 9 a.m. Aug. 29.

Bridget Lugo, 20, will have her jury trial at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 5.

Two defendants facing the death penalty in the case will go last.

Saul Farvela, 19, will have his trial at 10:30 a.m. March 5, 2012.

And David Rosas, 20, will have his trial at 10:30 a.m. April 9, 2012.