Judge delays making decision on bond for accused killer Jesus Monroy

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - A bond hearing was held Wednesday for a man accused of killing a pregnant teenager in Gwinnett County, but the judge said she's not yet ready to determine whether it'll be granted.

What we know:

Jesus Monroy, 20, faces charges of malice murder and felony murder in the death of 16-year-old Mia Campos of Loganville.

According to investigators, Monroy allegedly lured Campos away from her home before strangling her and moving her body. 

Authorities also say Monroy was the father of Campos’ unborn child.

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The case has drawn significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the allegations and the victim’s age.

In court on Wednesday, Campos' family told Gwinnett County Judge Tuwanda Williams they are consumed with grief and said they spend most of their time at the cemetery reminiscing.

What they're saying:

Three of Campos' family members delivered emotional testimonies.

Her older brother told the judge he struggles daily knowing he was the last person to see his little sister and feels he "failed" to protect her.

"Ever since that night, I've carried so much guilt because I was the last one to see my little sister alive. She told me she was going to the gas station with Jesus and I just let her go … just so that monster that sits right there can take her away from me and my family," Alexis Campos said. "Hearing my mother cry every night because her heart and the light of her life isn't here anymore."

Campos' mother and father also spoke about missing their daughter and trying to grieve their unborn grandson, Sebastian.

Prosecutors claimed Monroy had been sexually abusing Campos since she was 15-years-old. They presented drone video footage, courtesy of the Gwinnett County Police, that they claim shows Monroy running and hiding from officers. Prosecutors used the video as evidence to suggest he would likely flee if granted bond.

The other side:

Monroy's older brother also testified during the hearing.

"Prior to this, he's never been arrested or involved in anything," Enrique Monroy said. "He was always trying to get updates on the case. He was like, ‘When do I have my next court?’ He was always asking so he could show up."

Monroy's younger cousin, Rafael Veldez, also claimed he was the person seen running in the drone video, not Jesus.

What's next:

At the end of the nearly two-hour hearing, Judge Williams thanked both sides for presenting their arguments. However, she said the court would not be making a same-day judgment on bond. She said she would, instead, be issuing a court order by the end of the week.

Jesus Monroy could know what's next within 24 to 48 hours.

Jesus Monroy, full bond hearing

What happened to Mia Campos?

The backstory:

On July 15, 2024, the body of 16-year-old Mia Campos of Loganville was found in the middle of Stephens Road. She was seven months pregnant at the time, according to her family.

The family also informed officers that Campos had left the house the previous night with an unknown person. When she didn't come back, her family used an app to locate her through her phone. Following an autopsy on July 16, the medical examiner determined that Campos had been strangled or choked before her body was moved.

The next day, her ex-boyfriend, 20-year-old Jesus Monroy, was arrested for giving false statements to the police.

On July 23, he was charged with malice murder, felony murder, feticide and aggravated assault.

Gwinnett CountyNews