Opening statements begin in trial of Immokalee man accused of killing a mother of 6

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

The trial of Malachi Montelongo, one of two men accused of shooting into a car and killing a woman in 2019, is underway Tuesday with opening statements following jury selection on Monday.

Monday: Jury selection

Montelongo's trial began on Monday when he appeared before a Collier County judge.

Jury selection took place Monday, with almost 60 potential jurors screened in the courtroom.

Nine jurors were selected to hear the case, comprised of four women and five men. The jury will decide if the 24-year-old, who was 17 at the time of the murder, will face life in prison for his role in the killing.

The shooting

Malachi Montelongo is accused of killing Adriana Arredondo, a 33-year-old mother of 6, in Immokalee in 2019.

According to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, Malachi and his older brother, Jesus, who was 19 at the time, drove to Amos Court in Immokalee, got out of their vehicle and opened fire on another car carrying three people.

Arrendondo, who was one of the three people in the car, was killed.

Jesus Montelongo was found guilty of his role in the killing in 2022 and is awaiting sentencing.

What to expect

As Malachi Montelongo's trial enters its second day, opening statements are expected to be delivered at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Jesus Montelongo is set to testify against Malachi in the trial.

Count on Gulf Coast News to keep you updated with Malachi's trial.

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