A family has waited nearly a decade for justice after a horrific night in March 2015 left their father dead in Lehigh Acres.
On Wednesday, they’ll sit in court as the suspect's legal team pushes to have key evidence suppressed before the trial even begins.
Lawyers for Christopher Eddie Perez, 30, are arguing to suppress his statement to detectives, claiming it was obtained illegally.
Perez's lawyers allege Perez was improperly recorded during a smoke break and that he requested legal counsel during questioning but was not provided one. Additionally, they argue Perez made statements under the impression it would lead to favorable treatment.
This evidence is critical for the prosecution as Perez faces murder charges for his alleged role in a deadly home invasion.
On March 15, 2015, Lee County deputies say Perez and others broke into a home on Plumosa Avenue in Lehigh Acres. Deputies say Hemchand Bhagwandin and his wife were held at gunpoint, zip-tied, and beaten. Bhagwandin died of a heart attack during the attack.
For Shardawattie Bisram, Bhagwandin's daughter, the memories of that night remain fresh and painful.
“Wow. Shock, shock, devastation. I didn’t believe that it was true,” Bisram said.
Nearly 10 years later, she will face her father’s accused killer for the first time.
“It’s not going to be a happy time. It’s going to be a very difficult time,” she said.
For the Bhagwandin family, Perez’s statement is a cornerstone of the case. They fear losing it could alter the outcome.
"I think it's a part of the first step of getting justice," Bisram said. "I think it's a tragedy. I think it's tragic that he made a confession, and now it wants to be thrown out."
The hearing is set for Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Lee County Courthouse. The family remains hopeful this will be the first step toward the justice they’ve waited nearly a decade to see.
“I really do hope that the judge can see and understand what we’re feeling, and perhaps understand why we wanted [the decision] to go in our favor,” Bisram said.