Homestead murder suspect makes first court appearance after indictment

Christian Colon, 19, could face death penalty if convicted

HOMESTEAD, Fla. – A 19-year-old man faced a judge for the first time Friday morning after he was formally indicted for first-degree murder.

Christian Colon is one of five people accused of ambushing Jose Amaya Guardado, 17, in the woods in June and killing him with a machete.

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Guardado's body was discovered by his brother a couple days after the murder. His body was found partially buried in the woods near the Homestead Job Corps, where Guardado and the suspects attended classes. His brother told Local 10 News that he recognized his brother by his socks.

Colon's attorney requested a psychological evaluation for his client, claiming he suffers from mental illness.

"What I see in this case, I see an innocent child who's had a long history of mental illness," attorney Robert Finlay said. "I see he was apparently lured into this tragedy by much stronger wills."

Desiray Strickland, 18, Kareem Arbelo, 20, Jonathan Lucas, 18, and Joseph Michael Cabrera, 23, are also charged with first-degree murder in the teen's killing.

They could all face the death penalty if convicted.

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About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.