Valenzuela given time to challenge grand jury proceedings

Attorneys for accused murderer Jose Valenzuela have until March 7 to file a challenge to his grand jury proceedings.

Superior Court Judge Kevin White granted the time extension requested by Public Defender James E. Mannato.

Valenzuela is accused of first-degree murder in the deaths of Michael and Tina Careccia last June. The County Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty in the case.

Mannato first alerted the judge in August he wanted more time to go through the information presented to the grand jury for an indictment on first-degree charges.

Since then, the medical examiner’s report was completed. Mannato said the defense was looking at the forensic evidence to see if it conflicts with information given to the grand jury.

The County Attorney’s Office has charged Valenzuela with shooting the Careccias to death at his house on Papago Road on June 21. Their bodies were discovered buried next to the house July 2.

Pinal County Sheriff’s Office has alleged Valenzuela confessed to the crime. Valenzuela reportedly told PCSO investigators he and the couple were using methamphetamine at the time. The medical examiner’s report indicated the presence of meth in the bodies.

Mannato is questioning whether incorrect or misleading forensic information was given to the grand jury.