Angel DeJesus Rivera Sanchez stood before Magistrate Judge Tricia Hise in the Habersham County Courthouse on December 18 for a preliminary hearing in the murder of Minelys Zoe Rodriguez Ramirez. The 25-year-old single mother of one was found shot to death in Cornelia in October.
Special Agent Adam Ashworth with the GBI testified that Rivera Sanchez was arrested on October 28 at a bus stop in Atlanta with a ticket headed for Texas and hotel reservations in Mexico. Ashworth provided evidence of how they tracked Rivera Sanchez and Rodriguez Ramirez through phone records, putting them together at his apartment, a park on Chenocetah Drive, a church, and finally, Furniture Drive, where her body was discovered.
Victim shot multiple times in the head
Evidence presented in court revealed Rodriguez Ramirez was shot four times in the head. Her last contact was a text message to her fiance, Julio Tovar, around 9:30 p.m. on October 22, which was also the last day she was seen alive. Tovar told police that Rodriguez Ramirez had been taking nude photos for money to send to Rivera Sanchez, but it was unclear whether those were to be taken live or exchanged electronically.
Text messages between Rivera Sanchez and Ramirez on October 22 showed that Rivera Sanchez said he “did not intend to subscribe” to Onlyfans.com.
Murder weapon not recovered
Mountain Judicial District Attorney George Christian questioned Ashworth about Tovar, the relationship between Rivera Sanchez and the deceased, and the evidence that led to his arrest.
Agent Ashworth confirmed the victim’s phone records did indicate that she was communicating with other people during the time between 3:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. but said the GBI had not looked into those communications.
Further questioning from Rivera Sanchez’s attorney revealed reports from crime scene investigators had not been disclosed. Ashworth said he did not know if DNA from Rivera Sanchez was found in the victim’s automobile, under her fingernails, or on her body.
The gun used to kill her has not been located, nor has her cell phone.
Following testimony, Judge Hise ruled there was enough evidence to show probable cause and ordered the case be moved to Superior Court. If convicted, Rivera Sanchez could face the death penalty.
