The trial of a convicted killer began on Monday.  49-year-old Frank Joe Belmarez is accused of assaulting his girlfriend this past summer.  The case before Yellowstone County District Court Judge Rod Souza charges Belmarez with felony aggravated assault and partner or family member assault as well as misdemeanor charges of obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest.

 

Belmarez has pleaded not guilty.  Belmarez’ accuser testified Monday in Yellowstone County District Court.  The woman said that on July 22nd, Belmarez assaulted her in her apartment on Industrial Avenue.  The woman said she did not want to testify, fearing for her safety.

 

A subpoena had to be issued for her appearance at trial.  Belmarez was convicted in 1990 of killing his wife, Victoria Espinoza.  He was sentenced to 35 years in prison, but was paroled in 2011.

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