The trial for the man accused of killing Alma Del Real is expected to begin Monday afternoon, May 16.
Alberto Cruz, 25, was charged with murder in May 2015 and faces up to 65 years in prison if he’s convicted. Jury selection is expected to begin at 1:30 p.m. Monday, according to online court records.
- RELATED: Alberto Cruz charged with murder in death of Alma Del Real, May 22, 2015
Investigators said Cruz killed 22-year-old Del Real in the early morning hours of April 12, 2015, after the two spent the evening with a group of friends at two bars in South Bend. She was reported missing two days later after missing a weekend conference and not showing up for work.
Cruz was questioned by police several times over the course of a month and eventually led police to Del Real’s body in a wooded area of Marshall County on May 20, 2015, according to court documents.
- RELATED: Alma Del Real remembered one year after her death as accused killer prepares for trial, April 13, 2016
The trial was originally scheduled to begin in November, but was delayed twice.
Cruz has been held without bond at St. Joseph County Jail since his arrest.
- RELATED: Body of Alma del Real found in Marshall County, police say, May 21, 2015
