Man accused in brutal murder appears in Douglas courtroom

Stateline - Making his first appearance in a Douglas County courtroom to face murder, kidnapping and conspiracy charges, Ramiro Vazquez Galicia's eyes appeared watery.

Vazquez Galicia, who turns 36 years old Monday, spoke little as Tahoe Township Justice Court Judge Richard Glasson read the rights and charges against him Tuesday afternoon.

"You don't have to say anything to anybody," Glasson said, referring to Vazquez Galicia's right to remain silent.

Per conduct of the justice court, Vazquez Galicia did not enter a plea. He will be able to do so when he is transferred to district court in Minden, where a trial could take place.

Vazquez Galicia is accused of killing his estranged girlfriend Jazmin Gonzalez-Morgado, murdered in November while working as a housekeeper on Horizon Casino Resort's eighth floor.

Prosecutors have not decided whether they will pursue the death penalty.

The three-page criminal complaint against Vazquez Galicia accused him of using a hammer and a sharp object to murder the 22-year-old mother of one. Included in the murder charge is the use of a deadly weapon and violation of a restraining order. A bloody hammer and scissors were found in the room where Gonzalez-Morgado was discovered, according to a court affidavit.

Vazquez Galicia told investigators he waited in the closet of the room to speak to his estranged girlfriend and envisioned using duct tape to close her mouth, court records stated.

A restraining order was requested by Gonzalez-Morgado and granted in October by the justice court. Gonzalez-Morgado stated she was regularly beaten by Vazquez Galicia and feared for her safety, according to court documents.

Shackled and wearing a blue jail jumpsuit, the accused man listened to Glasson through an interpreter.

At one point Glasson asked Vazquez Galicia if he wanted the Mexican consulate to be contacted if he's an illegal immigrant.

"I will leave it in your hands," Vazquez Galicia said.

Vazquez Galicia stated he could likely not afford an attorney but would fill out a financial declaration form. An attorney will likely be appointed by the court.

Evan Garcia, accused of a misdemeanor in helping Vazquez Galicia to violate the restraining order by gaining him access into the Horizon, will appear in court later this month.

Near the end of the proceeding, Glasson asked Vazquez Galicia if he had any questions.

"Yes, I do have lots of them, but I will wait for the next appearance," he said.

Vazquez Galicia is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.