Witness

Jessica Rodriguez

Luis Rivera's former partner, discussed across the Markel-related trials and a prosecution witness in the 2022 Magbanua retrial.

AppearedMagbanua Retrial

MentionedGarcia–Magbanua Charlie Adelson Donna Adelson

514 lines·34 proceedings·31 mentions·4 trials

About

Jessica Rodriguez was identified as Luis Rivera’s former partner and the mother of his children. In the 2019 joint trial, testimony connected her North Miami residence to Rivera’s living arrangements around the two murder trips, while cell-site evidence could not establish an exact location and an investigator confirmed that she was not a wiretap target. Called by the State at Katherine Magbanua’s 2022 retrial, Rodriguez said Rivera told her he was leaving town with Sigfredo Garcia to get drugs, without mentioning Tallahassee or a murder. She also described Garcia later bringing a wrapped package to her residence while Magbanua was present; Rodriguez initially assumed it involved drugs and later learned that it contained money. The defense questioned the delivery’s timing and what Magbanua knew, and the court allowed part of Rodriguez’s recorded interview for impeachment rather than for the truth of its contents. Rodriguez denied being coached or lying for Rivera. In the 2023 and 2025 trials, Rivera identified her primarily to explain a photograph, their family relationship, and his residence, and in 2023 he said she was not involved in the homicide.

Trial Record (34)

GMGarcia–MagbanuaSep 26, 2019 – Oct 11, 2019

Testimony identified Rodriguez as Luis Rivera's partner and connected her North Miami residence to his living arrangements around the two murder trips. Her name also arose in disputes over cell-site evidence, wiretap coverage, and parts of Rivera's account.

Day 3

Oct 1, 2019

DirectLuis Rivera - DirectLuis RiveraGeorgia CapplemanMentioned

Summary

Rivera testified that Garcia recruited him, shot Dan Markel, and later discussed payment with Katie; the court also reserved a discovery issue over a voice-identification exhibit.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 4

Oct 2, 2019

CrossLuis Rivera - CrossLuis RiveraSaam ZangenehMentioned

Summary

Garcia's counsel challenged Rivera's memory, literacy, prior accounts, and cooperation incentives; the court admitted two defense letters and limited several questions.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossLuis Rivera - CrossLuis RiveraTara KawassMentioned

Summary

Kawass tested Rivera's cooperation incentives, memory, and prior accounts of the alleged planning, shooting, and payment; the court denied a mistrial motion during a sidebar.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossLuis Rivera - Cross (Part 2)Luis RiveraTara KawassMentioned

Summary

Kawass challenged Rivera's memory, prior accounts, convictions, and plea benefits; after a jury break, he confirmed several prior statements that differed from or omitted parts of his testimony.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 5

Oct 3, 2019

CrossChristopher Corbitt - CrossChristopher CorbittChristopher DeCosteMentioned

Summary

Corbitt acknowledged limits in the State's cell-site analysis and phone-record summaries as the defense introduced call-record exhibits and disputed several communication inferences.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 6

Oct 4, 2019

CrossChristopher Corbitt - Cross (Continued)Christopher CorbittChristopher DeCosteMentioned

Summary

Corbitt acknowledged limits in the available cell-site records as the defense introduced a Cellebrite timeline and explored alternative communication methods.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectChristopher Corbitt - RedirectChristopher CorbittAnna NorrisMentioned

Summary

Corbitt clarified the limits and interpretation of phone records, and the court admitted a June 2014 traffic citation tied to Garcia.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 7

Oct 7, 2019

CrossChristopher Corbitt - CrossChristopher CorbittSaam ZangenehMentioned

Summary

Corbitt described limits on the wiretap investigation and said he generally did not make minimization decisions.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossChristopher Corbitt - CrossChristopher CorbittChristopher DeCosteMentioned

Summary

Corbitt described real-time wiretap records and monitoring limits as the defense questioned which phones and communications the investigation did not capture.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 8

Oct 8, 2019

RedirectPatrick Sanford - Redirect (Resumed)Patrick SanfordGeorgia CapplemanMentioned

Summary

Sanford addressed communications, Rivera's residence information, and investigative follow-up; the court upheld rulings concerning Magbanua's arrest procedure and Call I of State's Exhibit 138.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectJohn Sawicki - DirectJohn SawickiSaam ZangenehMentioned

Summary

Defense expert John Sawicki described limits in iCloud, call-detail, and cell-tower records, including messages absent from Charlie Adelson's backup.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossJohn Sawicki - CrossJohn SawickiAnna Norris2highlightsMentioned

Summary

Sawicki agreed his message total could include non-text notifications and that phone activity could be consistent with Jessica Rodriguez's house.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Highlights (2)

Quote“There is certainly activity during that time period that could be, yes.”— John SawickiSawicki agreed the cited phone activity could be consistent with Jessica Rodriguez's house.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

rulingOver a speculation objection, the court allowed questioning about whether cell-site activity could be consistent with Jessica Rodriguez's house; Sawicki agreed it could be.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

DirectCraig Isom - Direct (Recall)Craig IsomChristopher DeCosteMentioned

Summary

DeCoste recalled Isom to test what Luis Rivera did—and did not—say in the unrecorded September 30 meeting.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 9

Oct 9, 2019

ProceduralBennett Hearsay, Corbitt Sequestration, and Magbanua Testimony1highlightMentioned

Summary

The court excluded proposed Bennett impeachment testimony, addressed deliberation sequestration, and denied the State's request to exempt Sergeant Corbitt from sequestration during Magbanua's testimony.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Highlights (1)

rulingThe court sustained the State's hearsay objection to the defense's proposed use of Sherrie Bennett's account of a call with Jessica Rodriguez to impeach Luis Rivera.Open in transcript →

CrossKatherine Magbanua - CrossKatherine MagbanuaSaam ZangenehMentioned

Summary

Magbanua agreed Garcia was upset about Charlie Adelson, described Rivera's criminal reputation, and said Garcia's family trip was planned in advance.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

KMMagbanua RetrialMay 18, 2022 – May 27, 2022Called by prosecution

Called by the State on Day 5, Jessica Rodriguez testified about Rivera's stated reason for leaving town with Garcia and a wrapped package Garcia later brought to her residence while Magbanua was present.

Day 1

May 18, 2022

DirectCraig Isom - DirectCraig IsomGeorgia CapplemanMentioned

Summary

Lead investigator Craig Isom traced the suspect Prius through surveillance, SunPass, rental, phone, and payment records, while the court admitted related exhibits and resolved several evidentiary objections.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 2

May 19, 2022

DirectLuis Rivera - DirectLuis RiveraGeorgia CapplemanMentioned

Summary

Rivera testified that Garcia shot Dan Markel and that Magbanua arranged and delivered payment for the murder-for-hire scheme.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CrossLuis Rivera - Cross (Part 1)Luis RiveraChristopher DeCosteMentioned

Summary

The defense challenged Rivera's credibility through his cooperation benefits, prior statements, and phone-record account; Rivera maintained that Magbanua and Garcia were involved.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 3

May 20, 2022

CrossLuis Rivera - Cross (Part 2)Luis RiveraChristopher DeCosteMentioned

Summary

Defense challenged Rivera's shifting recollections about guns and trips; the court allowed impeachment over a prior reference to a third trip, while Rivera maintained Magbanua's involvement.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

RedirectLuis Rivera - RedirectLuis RiveraGeorgia CapplemanMentioned

Summary

Rivera addressed credibility challenges, testified about an alleged call concerning money, reaffirmed two Tallahassee trips, and described a restaurant incident involving Garcia.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

profferChristopher Corbitt - Defense Proffer ExaminationChristopher CorbittChristopher DeCosteMentioned

Summary

Corbitt said he could not conclusively link the "Tato" contact label to Luis Rivera or determine the source of differences in Apple-related records.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 4

May 23, 2022

CrossChristopher Corbitt - CrossChristopher CorbittChristopher DeCosteMentioned

Summary

Defense cross-examination emphasized that cell-site records show handset coverage consistency rather than exact locations, challenged filtered call summaries, and introduced maps and color-coded call records as Defense Exhibits 10 through 17.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 5

May 24, 2022

DirectJessica Rodriguez - DirectJessica RodriguezGeorgia Cappleman3highlights142lines spoken

Summary

Jessica Rodriguez described Rivera and Garcia leaving town, a later package delivery involving Garcia and Magbanua, and a prior deposition statement about Magbanua's knowledge of Garcia's conduct.

Highlights (3)

testimony highlightRodriguez testified that Rivera said he was leaving town to get drugs and was going with Garcia; she said she knew of only one trip and did not know Rivera was going to Tallahassee or to commit a murder.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

testimony highlightRodriguez testified that Garcia brought a package to her residence and that Magbanua was present; she identified Magbanua in court as the person who came with Garcia.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

Quote“So Tuto knocked on the door, and I opened it. He came in. He said he had a package for "T" -- for Tato. He went to the room to drop it. I said, who are you with? He said, Katie. I went outside. we had, like, a little patio hallway, and I screamed over. And I'm like, You're not going to come and see your niece? Like, why are you in the car? And then she got up, and then she came in.”— Jessica RodriguezRodriguez's account placed Garcia delivering a package to Rivera and Magbanua nearby at the residence.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

CrossJessica Rodriguez - CrossJessica RodriguezTara Kawass2highlights337lines spoken

Summary

Defense questioned Jessica Rodriguez about her delayed package-delivery account, prior statements, and relationship with Luis Rivera.

Highlights (2)

Quote“No, because it never stood out to me until my mind got recollected of the events.”— Jessica RodriguezRodriguez explained why she had not previously reported the package incident.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

impeachmentRodriguez agreed that she first mentioned the package-delivery account to law enforcement on September 30, 2016, and confirmed that Luis Rivera's legal team had asked her about a money transaction involving Tuto and Katie before that call.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

RedirectJessica Rodriguez - RedirectJessica RodriguezGeorgia Cappleman2highlights34lines spoken

Summary

Rodriguez denied lying for Rivera or knowing the package delivery's significance before police contacted her, then clarified the delivery's location and her exchange with Magbanua about the bag.

Highlights (2)

testimony highlightRodriguez acknowledged that she cared what happened to Luis Rivera as the father of her children but said she would not lie under oath for him.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

Quote“I would have taken the money and left. No questions asked.”— Jessica RodriguezRodriguez explained why she believed Rivera did not want the package left with her after she later learned it contained money.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

Day 7

May 26, 2022

ProceduralDefense Motion for Judgment of Acquittal Denied — All Three Counts Proceed to JuryMentioned

Summary

The court denied the defense motion for judgment of acquittal, allowing all three counts to go to the jury.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ProceduralDefense case opening logistics and ruling on Rodriguez impeachment recording2highlightsMentioned

Summary

The court allowed the defense to use part of Jessica Rodriguez's recorded phone call for impeachment and required advance review of anticipated defense exhibits.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Highlights (2)

rulingOver the State's objection, the court allowed the defense to use a portion of Jessica Rodriguez's recorded phone call for impeachment through Investigator Sherri Bennett.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

Quote“I'm going to allow it as impeachment testimony.”— Robert R. WheelerThe court permitted the defense's planned use of the Rodriguez recording for impeachment.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

DirectSherry Bennett - DirectSherry BennettChristopher DeCoste1highlightMentioned

Summary

Officer Bennett described warrant handling and the defense played her recorded interview of Jessica Rodriguez.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Highlights (1)

confrontationIn follow-up questioning, Bennett agreed Rodriguez had placed the bag delivery in August or September and said the recorded statement did not say Katherine Magbanua was unaware of it.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

CrossSherry Bennett - CrossSherry BennettGeorgia CapplemanMentioned

Summary

Bennett confirmed her interview did not directly address whether Katie knew what was going on.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DirectKatherine Magbanua - DirectKatherine MagbanuaTara KawassMentioned

Summary

Magbanua denied arranging a killing or delivering money, explained communications and cash as unrelated to the murder, and described the Dolce Vita meeting as not involving talk of Dan Markel or a murder.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 8

May 27, 2022

ClosingClosing Argument - Georgia CapplemanGeorgia CapplemanMentioned

Summary

The State argued that phone, financial, rental-car, witness, and recorded-call evidence showed Magbanua acted as an intermediary in the alleged murder-for-hire conspiracy and asked for guilty verdicts on all charges.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

ClosingClosing Argument - Tara KawassTara KawassMentioned

Summary

Kawass argued that the State's case rested on unreliable testimony and disputed inferences, then asked jurors to find Magbanua not guilty on all counts.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

CACharlie AdelsonOct 26, 2023 – Nov 6, 2023

Luis Rivera identified Jessica Rodriguez in State's Exhibit 37 and said she was not involved in the homicide.

Day 2

Oct 27, 2023

DirectLuis Rivera - DirectLuis RiveraGeorgia CapplemanMentioned

Summary

Luis Rivera described his cooperation agreement and gave a first-hand account of the alleged planning, shooting, payment, and aftermath of Dan Markel's murder.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DADonna AdelsonAug 22, 2025 – Sep 4, 2025

Luis Rivera identified Jessica Rodriguez as the mother of his child and said he was living with her at the time of the murder.

Day 1

Aug 22, 2025

DirectLuis Rivera - DirectLuis RiveraGeorgia CapplemanMentioned

Summary

Luis Rivera admitted his role under a cooperation agreement and described the alleged planning, shooting of Dan Markel, and cash payment that followed.

Mentioned in this proceeding.