Lawyers bicker in Ashley Benton trial

(6/19/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- It's a day of important testimony in the murder trial of Ashley Benton. She's accused of stabbing and killing a 14-year old during a gang fight.

The murder of Gabriel Granillo during a gang fight in Chew Park took seconds. Now his death and the subsequent investigation are being discussed in lengthy detail.

On the second day of the trial, Benton set attentively while prosecutors presented their case against her. Assistant District Attorney Mia Mangess spent most of the day questioning the lead homicide detective. He laid out a timeline of the investigation. One, just after the day of Granillo's murder, landed at Benton's front door.

The most meaningful courtroom action happened outside of the jury's presence. Prosecutors told the judge that they plan to present testimony to put holes in Benton's assertion that she acted in self defense.

Benton's lawyer said she stabbed Granillo after he attacked her with a bat. Mangess told the judge she has a witness that will testify the MS-13 clique Granillo belonged to has specific rules against hurting women.

"In a gang conflict, they don't beat up girls, they beat up other boys," said Mangess.

Benton's lawyers considered that idea absurd.

"What she's saying is these thugs sit down and they write down the rules," said defense attorney Rick Detoto. "Thou shall not do this, thou shall not do that, you cannot do this. For the purpose of this specific clique in Houston, we're going to be nicer than the nation MS-13 crew. We're not going to hurt women, we're not going to get in fist fights with them. The bottom line is if you think that MS-13 will not harm a woman, you're crazy."

Some of those MS-13 gang members are expected to testify later this week. Security remains very tight on the 20th floor.

Benton had a rough time in court yesterday, but today she seemed pretty stoic, taking notes and chatting with her attorney.

Ashley Benton is standing trial for murder as an adult. If convicted, she faces two to 99 years in prison.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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