Closing Arguments Delivered in Trial of Man Accused of Shooting Teen in Indio

Closing arguments were delivered Thursday in the trial of a Thousand Palms parolee accused of shooting a 14-year-old girl in the head during a 2018 attack in Indio.

Prosecutors allege that 30-year-old Vicente Manuel Reyes intentionally fired into a vehicle near John Nobles Avenue and Monroe Street. The teenage victim survived after a bullet struck her in the head and jaw.

During closing arguments, prosecutors told jurors Reyes deliberately opened fire on the vehicle and argued the evidence supports a conviction.

Defense attorneys pushed back, claiming the investigation was disorganized from the start and describing the case as filled with confusion and conflicting witness testimony. The defense argued prosecutors failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Reyes was the shooter.

Reyes remains in custody at the John Benoit Detention Center on $2 million bail while jurors prepare to begin deliberations.