After waiting 24 years for justice, Durham family sits across from the accused in first court appearance

After waiting decades for justice, a Durham family sat in a courtroom on Monday to look at the man charged with shooting and killing their loved one – 24 years ago.

The family of Jesus Enrique Garza has waited decades for an arrest after the 19-year-old was shot and killed in a car on North Miami Boulevard decades ago. His family called him Tucho.

Durham police have had a warrant for suspect Saturnino Gutierrez-Garcia's arrest since 1999. He was arrested in Mount Airy last month.

Today, Gutierrez-Garcia had his first appearance in court.

"Mr. Gutierrez-Garcia, you have been indicted," said the judge. "The true bill for the count of first degree murder, and the felony count of discharge of a weapon into an occupied vehicle."

Gutierrez-Garcia told the judge he had hired an attorney, and waived his right to court-appointed counsel.

Garza's family was too emotional to speak to WRAL News today, but in a conversation after Gutierrez-Garcia's arrest last month, Garza's sister told WRAL News her brother was a person who was kind, happy, and giving.

She said he had a passion for advocating for the young Mexican community in Durham.

Gutierrez-Garcia's next court appearance will be during the quarterly homicide status hearing, next January.