Illegal alien accused of murdering teenager for speaking English

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A few days before Christmas, Collier County Sheriff's deputies arrested Mexican national Mauricio Escalante, 33, and charged him with the murder of a 17-year-old. The young man he is accused of killing was Charlie Guzman, a farm worker and student at Beacon High School.

According to the arrest report, around 3:00 a.m., the victim and Escalante were gathered with a group of others in the laundry room of an Imolakee, FL apartment building. An argument broke out and blows were exchanged.

The argument started when Escalante became enraged over the fact that Guzman was speaking in English to his friends, rather than in Spanish.

Witnesses said Escalante ran into his apartment and returned with an 8-inch knife, which he allegedly used to repeatedly stab Guzman.

The report written by Det. William Still states: "[The victim] screamed as if he had been severely injured and then retaliated by striking Mr. Escalante with his fist several times. "The men fell to the ground and [the victim] landed on top of Mr. Escalante."

The other men separated the two.

Guzman walked a short distance and collapsed. He suffered stab wounds to his chest, abdomen, and groin. He was pronounced dead at NCH North Naples Hospital.

Though Escalante reportedly admitted to killing Guzman, he claimed that he was merely defending himself.

On Dec. 21, 2008, Escalante was jailed for public intoxication. However, no charges were ever filed against him, and despite his illegal status, he was released the next day.

Circuit Judge Christine Greider set bail for Escalante at $500,000. He is currently being held in the Collier County Jail.

 

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