MCGREGOR, Texas — The case against Nicolas Jaimes-Hernandez, charged in a tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of five family members in 2022, is slated for trial in September 2026. This development comes after a judge set the trial date and denied several significant defense motions during a hearing on Thursday.
Jaimes-Hernandez, 37, stood before the 19th State District Court, where Judge Thomas West dismissed two motions proposed by the defense. One motion sought permission for the defense to conduct independent DNA testing on evidence, while the other aimed to prevent a mock trial aimed at preparing for the full trial.
In response to the defense’s concerns, Judge West characterized the request to halt the mock trial preparation as “unconstitutional.” This ruling drew visible frustration from defense attorney Clay Dean Thomas. He expressed skepticism about the legality and fairness of using a mock trial in this context. “We felt that the practice of pulling jurors from this community could be viewed as improper,” Thomas stated. He mentioned that he would explore options to protect his client’s interests in light of the ruling.
Jaimes-Hernandez faces capital murder charges for the deaths of five members of the same extended family, including Monica Delgado, 38, and her three teenagers, Miguel Avila, 15, and Natalie Avila, 14, along with two adult relatives, Lorena “Lori” Aviles, 47, and Natalie Aviles, 20. The family members were killed on September 28, 2022, a tragic event that has left a deep impact on the community.
Originally deemed incompetent to stand trial in 2024, Jaimes-Hernandez spent time in a state mental health facility. After receiving treatment, medical professionals recently declared him competent to proceed with the trial.
Following the hearing, family members of the victims expressed a mix of caution and hope regarding the upcoming trial. Renee Flores, a relative, remarked on their collective desire for justice, stating, “It’s a step forward, and we are ready to see justice for Lori, Natalie, and the other three victims.”
Olivia Perez, another family member, echoed that sentiment, highlighting their feelings of support from the state: “Knowing that everyone is together during this challenging time gives us strength as we move forward with the case.”
The proceedings are expected to start on September 14, 2026, with the trial anticipated to last between two to three weeks. Prosecutors have indicated their intention to seek the death penalty, underscoring the gravity of the charges against Jaimes-Hernandez, which have shaken this Texas community to its core.