Dr. Matthews raises concerns over Del Rio prosecution involving self-represented defendant

Del Rio, TX – Dr. Matthews issued a public statement questioning the handling of a felony case prosecuted by District Attorney Daniel Esquivel, citing concerns over due process and prosecutorial conduct.

The statement references the case of State of Texas vs. Benjamin G. Lopez Jr., outlining that the defendant proceeded through trial without legal representation after what was described as being pushed into self-representation. It further cites a documented claim that the defendant was “forced to self-representation.”

Dr. Matthews’ statement also points to competency concerns raised in court, including testimony referencing possible post-traumatic stress disorder, while noting the prosecution continued forward despite those issues.

The statement highlights legal standards under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.01, which requires prosecutors to seek justice rather than convictions, and Texas Disciplinary Rule 3.09, which outlines obligations regarding fair prosecution and treatment of unrepresented defendants.

The statement questions how the case proceeded given the reported lack of counsel, competency concerns, and alleged inconsistencies in evidence, and raises broader concerns about constitutional protections and accountability within the justice system.