Jury hears from final witnesses in Sergio Almanza trial

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A jury will soon get the case of Sergio Almanza. He’s accused of driving an ATV drunk and killing a little boy outside Albuquerque’s River of Lights. 

7-year-old Pronoy Bhattacharya died as he and his family were crossing Central Avenue in 2021.

The jury heard from the final witnesses Tuesday who went over some video and DNA evidence in the case. An APD detective testified about Almanza’s speed, reaction time, and driving all on video.

The defense doesn’t deny that Almanza drove recklessly and caused the deadly crash. However, they are fighting the DWI charge.

After the prosecution rested their case Tuesday, Almanza’s attorney tried to have the DWI charge dismissed.   

“We feel that the evidence in regard to the DWI component, which touches count one and count two, isn’t even circumstantial evidence, I think it’s a hunch here,” said Ahmad Assed, defense attorney.  

But the judge shot that motion down, saying it will ultimately be up to the jury to decide if the evidence proved Almanza was drunk or not.

The defense did not call any witnesses. Closing arguments are set to start Wednesday morning.