Man extradited from Mexico acquitted of 1983 murder
A man who was extradited from Mexico and charged with killing his estranged wife’s male companion in Beverly Hills in 1983 was acquitted Friday, the Los Angeles district attorney’s office confirmed.
Juan Jesus Flores, 67, was accused of killing Robert Garver with his car on April 3, 1983. Flores had come to Roxbury Park in Beverly Hills to meet his estranged wife and see their young daughter after recently being released from prison, according to Flores’ defense attorney, Roger Jon Diamond.
Flores reportedly tried to leave the park with his daughter, and Garver ended up pursuing Flores’ vehicle, leading to a confrontation that left him seriously injured, according to Diamond. Garver was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed after three days.
Flores, who had turned himself in to police and posted bail, fled to Mexico when Garver died on April 6. He lived in Mexico for more than three decades, but was extradited to Los Angeles in June to face charges.
“We’re very pleased, obviously, with the result,” Diamond said. “It was an unusual case -- a case that took 32 years.”
Officials at the district attorney’s office declined to comment.
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