Copas’ defense files motion for state to produce evidence

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — The latest filings in the case against Phoebe Copas, the woman who allegedly shot and killed Uber Driver Daniel Piedra Garcia last year, show that her attorneys have filed a motion for the State of Texas to produce/disclose evidence related to the case.

Copas is scheduled for a final hearing at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10. However, her attorneys filed the motion last Friday, Oct. 4, arguing that the state is not allowing them to review all of the evidence in the case.

Court records do not indicate if a final evidentiary has been held, which would be the deadline for the state to hand over evidence. However, the defense argues that not disclosing evidence could be a violation of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.

The defense is specifically asking for items that were located inside Piedra Garcia’s vehicle, a complete inventory of the vehicle, Piedra Garcia’s medical records, body camera footage, and other related records.

The defense has argued that a phone was ringing when Copas was dialing 911 and wants to do a full inventory of the vehicle to find that device. The prosecution argues that the only other device besides Piedra Garcia’s phone was an iPod touch.

The iPod touch was discovered in the driver’s side door panel and the defense argues that the iPod may have been the device that Copas heard and is requesting access to the device.

The defense also requested for the state to produce razor blades and a crowbar that were reportedly found in Piedra Garcia’s car, saying that these items were visible to Copas and reinforced her assertion that she was in fear for her life.

As we have previously reported, Copas is facing a charge of murder and claims Piedra-Garcia was kidnapping her to Mexico on June 16, 2023, as he drove the assigned Uber route on U.S. 54 near Loop 375 while driving her to Speaking Rock Casino.

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