Moreno convicted of 2nd-degree murder

By KAALTV

Mug shot: Ben Vidal Moreno / Mower County Jail

(ABC 6 News) – A Freeborn County jury found Ben Vidal Moreno guilty of all charges, including three counts of 2nd-degree murder.

According to court documents, Moreno was convicted Tuesday on two charges of 2nd-degree murder — without intent, one charge of 2nd-degree murder — while committing a felony, as well as two counts of felon in possession of a firearm following the death of Juan Vasquez Jr., 45, on 160th Street in rural Albert Lea.

His sentencing is scheduled for May 30.

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(ABC 6 News) – An Albert Lea man’s 2nd-degree murder trial began Monday morning, March 4.

Ben Vidal Moreno faces two charges of 2nd-degree murder — without intent, one charge of 2nd-degree murder — while committing a felony, as well as two counts of felon in possession of a firearm following the death of Juan Vasquez Jr., 45, on 160th Street in rural Albert Lea.

Witnesses to the altercation Aug. 9 that ended in Vasquez’s death told law enforcement officers that Moreno and Vasquez had argued and exchanged death threats over a package that Vasquez thought Moreno had diverted, rather than sending to him.

According to early court documents, witnesses said both Vasquez and Moreno were armed, and multiple rounds were fired by each in the hour before the fatal shooting.

However, the amended criminal complaint submitted by the state alleges that in late August of 2022, Moreno was overheard telling another person over the phone that he did not know Vasquez had a weapon.