On February 1, 2021, Jesse Alvarez rose at dawn, clothed himself in all black, and drove to wait silently outside his ex-girlfriend’s fiancée’s home. It was 6:13 a.m. It had been one year and five months since she had left him. He had tried everything to win her back, but she was gone. When his actions moved into stalking, she sought help from the court and took measures to protect herself. Now she was in love with another, engaged to be married. Was it too much for Jesse Alvarez to bear?
Just after 7:00 a.m. Mario Fierro (pictured above), a beloved teacher and coach at Cathedral Catholic, emerged. Jesse soon opened fire, seven shots in total, leaving Mario Fierro dead on the ground. But what transpired between the two before the deadly end? Was it a premeditated ambush as the prosecution contends? Did Jesse Alvarez see Mario Fierro as his arch nemesis, so filled with burning jealousy he had to destroy him? Was it the ultimate revenge against his ex-girlfriend to kill the man she so loved? Or was it, as the defends propounds, an act of self-defense or imperfect self-defense?
It has been three long years since that horrible day, and Jesse Alvarez’ murder trial is at last set to begin. Jury selection will commence next Tuesday, followed by a trial estimated to last three weeks.
In pretrial motions, the defense revealed they will offer expert testimony Jesse suffers from autism spectrum disorder, which causes him to perceive things differently. They also stated the reason Jesse went to Mario’s home was to confront him about giving his ex-girlfriend drugs and alcohol. In response, Mario attacked him, and Jesse reacted in self-defense. Or imperfect self-defense may be raised, which is a killing where the defendant actually believed he was in imminent danger of being killed or suffering great bodily injury and actually believed the immediate use of deadly force was necessary, but at least one of those beliefs was unreasonable.
The ultimate fate of Jesse Alvarez will soon be in the hands of a jury.
I will be attending the trial, and writing about this tragic, tragic case. If you would like to read more about the case, please visit my website: www.aleidalaw.com.
https://aleidalaw.com/deadly-obsession-and-a-fiancee-murdered-the-jesse-alvarez-case/
https://aleidalaw.com/deadly-obsession-and-a-restraining-order-denied-the-jesse-alvarez-case/
About Aleida K. Wahn, Esq.
I am an attorney, award-winning true crime writer, and legal analyst of criminal cases. I cover criminal trials and write stories and books about compelling, gripping, and unforgettable cases that impact our world. I take you into the courtroom in high-profile murder trials, rape cases, crimes of passion, cases involving mental illness, deviant behavior, and more. I have a deep passion for true crime, criminal law, and all aspects of the criminal justice system. I have appeared as an expert on true crime shows, including “48 Hours,” “Snapped,” and “The Dead Files,” and provided legal analysis on high-profile criminal trials on Court TV, the Law & Crime Trial Network, Fox 5 News, ABC 10 News, and KUSI News. I also create and host shows with the Del Mar Television Producers Group, addressing criminal justice and social issues in recent criminal trials.
I provided my insight and legal analysis on Court TV and the Law & Crime Trial Network of the high-profile trial of former NFL star Kellen Winslow Jr. It was a trial that captured the nation as the heralded ex-football star with fame, fortune, and a famous name stood accused of multiple rapes and other sex crimes involving five women. As the trial delved into shocking facts, complicated legal issues, and unexpected twists and turns, I was there for every minute. After the trial, I wrote a book on the case, going behind the headlines to share the extraordinary details of what happened inside the courtroom. Judging Winslow Jr.: From NFL Star to Serial Rapist? Inside the Shocking Rape Trial of Kellen Boswell Winslow II is now available on Amazon.
I am passionate about telling true crime stories, as these penetrating stories have the power to move us all, while highlighting societal issues which need to be addressed. I have personally seen the human devastation which is present in each trial and believe there is a lesson to be learned in every single case. It is through awareness and examining critical issues society can effect change and even make new laws. To learn more, please visit: https://www.aleidalaw.com.
Read about the gripping and unforgettable trials that I have covered in my latest books:
