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Defendant in armed robbery on Square appears in court
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MONROE - A pre-trial conference was set for July 5 for one of two suspects in the Mexican grocery store robbery on April 5.

Luis E. Western appeared in court Tuesday, with his attorney, Frank Medina, appearing by telephone.

Green County District Attorney Gary Luhman said he's hoping that the state crime lab will have available DNA evidence taken from Western, 35, and the other suspect in the case, Luis E. Cruz, 30, by the July 5 pre-trial date.

"We should have a pretty good time line (for the trial) after (they are done)," Luhman said.

Luhman requested that any motions Medina or Cruz's attorney, Ronald Benavides, plans to file should be done up to 10 days after the July 5 pre-trial conference.

Charges against Western include substantial battery with intent to cause bodily harm, a Class I Felony; two counts of armed battery, both Class C felonies; and false imprisonment, a Class H felony.

A July 5 pre-trial conference has been set for Cruz as well.

Cruz is charged with substantial battery with intent to cause bodily harm, a Class I Felony; two counts of armed battery, both Class C felonies; theft of moveable property, a Class I felony; and false imprisonment, a Class H felony.

A third suspect in the case fled the scene and was killed in a crash during a police pursuit near Juda.