Jury selection underway in 2012 homicide trial

Jury selection began Tuesday for a man and a woman charged with murder in the 2012 stabbing death of an Atwater man outside a city bar.

Miguel Rivera, 30, and Cindy Maciel, 24, have pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the Oct. 26, 2012, slaying of 23-year-old Ryan Williams during a large brawl on Sycamore Avenue.

The case is being heard by Judge David Moranda in Merced Superior Court. Jury selection continues Wednesday, but prosecutors were hoping opening statements could possibly be made in the afternoon. Witnesses are expected to be called to testify Thursday, according to the Merced County District Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutors have said Rivera stabbed Williams after accusing him of being involved in a rival street gang. Police have said Williams was not involved in gangs. Prosecutors have accused Maciel of helping Rivera hide the weapon used in the killing. Police said the victim’s DNA was found on the knife.

Rivera is represented by attorney Jeffrey Tenenbaum and Maciel’s attorney is David Capron.

Both defendants remain in custody in Merced County.

This story was originally published May 5, 2015 at 5:55 PM with the headline "Jury selection underway in 2012 homicide trial."