State’s second trial against man accused of killing fellow inmate underway in Wilber

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - In a Saline County Courtroom, preparations are underway for the state’s second attempt at prosecuting Eric Ramos, for the murder of a fellow inmate at the 2017 riots at Tecumseh State Correctional Institute.

Ramos, 33, is charged with first degree murder in the death of 31-year-old Michael Galindo. Ramos has plead not guilty and maintained this is a case of mistaken identity.

Ramos’ first trial, which took place in 2018, ended in a mistrial. The Nebraska Examiner reported the judge in the case ruled a Nebraska State Patrol investigator violated her court order which banned witnesses from talking to other witnesses about the case after the trial began. The Examiner reports she had asked prison officials about missing surveillance video showing the attack on Galindo, prompting objections from Ramos’ attorneys.

Following jury selection, which was underway Tuesday afternoon, both the prosecution and defense will present opening statements. Then, the prosecution will start calling witnesses. The witness list includes former corrections director Scott Frakes, a number of corrections officers and inmates.

The state has accused Ramos of being one of four inmates involved in killing Galindo, who was stabbed more than 130 times during the riot. Surveillance video from the riot shows inmates with towels covering their faces. Ramos is the only inmate to face charges related to Galindo’s death.

The trial is scheduled to run until Dec. 1.