FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Austin, TX — Michael & Associates’ announces that its defense in a high-profile hit and run case ended in a mistrial for its client due to a hung jury.
Police alleged that our client, Andrea Estwick, had intentionally hit a pedestrian in the parking lot of a Walmart in Round Rock on Sept. 4, 2022. The incident stemmed from a domestic dispute. Ms. Estwick, 24, and the victim, Raul Martinez, were in a relationship and had recently decided to separate.
A Walmart security video that was released to the media after the attack showed the incident, but key details were omitted. Additional security footage from before the incident shows the victim brutally assaulting Ms. Estwick. Those videos were presented to jurors during the trial.
Ms. Estwick was arrested on Sept. 20, 2022, and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and booked into the Williamson County Jail.
Media coverage of the incident repeatedly showed a 10-second video clip that was published by the Round Rock Police Department. But that video only showed part of the incident.
“Police published an incomplete and intentionally misleading video to turn the public against a victim of domestic violence,” says Ben Michael, founder of Michael & Associates.
Additional security footage presented at trial showed Mr. Martinez physically assaulting Ms. Estwick just minutes prior to the incident.
“That video, which was not originally included in media coverage, shows Mr. Martinez pushing Ms. Estwick with so much force that she flew back several feet, striking her head on the concrete,” Michael says. “After she was thrown down, Mr. Martinez is seen standing over her, yelling at her, and then a struggle ensues.”
“We believe there are two sides to every story, and will do everything within our power to ensure that all facts are presented fairly and that no information is omitted,” he added.
After about 10 hours of deliberation, the jury announced that they were split 6-6 and unable to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial.
“The jurors’ inability to reach a consensus underscores the serious questions surrounding the prosecution’s case,” Michael says. “We believe this mistrial reflects the doubts that remain about the allegations against Ms. Estwick.”
Ms. Estwick was represented by lead attorney Andromeda Vega Rubio and Matthew Pospisil, senior trial attorneys with Michael & Associates.
Michael & Associates has built a reputation throughout Texas for aggressive, high-stakes defense and a tireless commitment to protecting the rights of the accused. This latest result continues the firm’s track record of standing firm for justice and due process.
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Rebecca Stumpf manages content research and editing for Michael & Associates. She is an award-winning journalist with 30+ years of experience working for daily newspapers. Her work has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Business Insider and DallasNews.com.
Rebecca Stumpf manages content research and editing for Michael & Associates. She is an award-winning journalist with 30+ years of experience working for daily newspapers. Her work has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Business Insider and DallasNews.com.