Court records show Villarreal evaded authorities after the killing and was later arrested in Crookston, where officers also discovered drugs in his possession. At the time, he was already on supervised release for a 2011 criminal sexual conduct conviction in Minnesota. While in custody, Villarreal was also convicted of two separate assaults, further delaying his murder case.
Surveillance video showing Villarreal leaving the hotel was among the evidence cited in an affidavit of probable cause. A witness also reported seeing him enter and exit the hotel, as well as witnessing the shooting. However, during a final dispositional conference on September 11, defense attorney Sarah Kyte noted that a surveillance video referenced in the case could not currently be located. Prosecutor Rachel Egstad said it was unclear whether the video still exists, as the Bureau of Criminal Investigation agent who originally collected it has since left the agency and is now training with the Department of Homeland Security.
Because the agent cannot testify until his training concludes, Judge Theodore Sandberg postponed the trial. The case has now been rescheduled as a “date certain trial,” ensuring no other case will take priority over it. A status conference is scheduled for December 15 to address the missing evidence and any other issues. The final status conference is scheduled for March 9, with the trial beginning March 10.
For more information on North Dakota’s homicide statutes, visit the North Dakota Century Code.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Vincent Chase Villarreal