An Alachua County court decided Tuesday to reschedule the case management hearing of Pedro Bravo, the 19-year-old charged with the murder of University of Florida student Christian Aguilar, for April 23.
Aguilar’s parents, Carlos and Claudia, sat with their hands intertwined next to family members and loved ones as Bravo appeared in court for only a few moments to hear the rescheduling.
The defender asked to reschedule the hearing, citing the large amount of information in the case.
Aguilar's disappearance last September and the search and recovery effort for his body captured the attention of the community and the nation. Hundreds of volunteers scoured the area as details slowly emerged about Bravo, Aguilar’s high school friend, and his connection to the case.
Bravo is facing first-degree murder charges among others including kidnapping and poisoning.
Carlos Aguilar said the family drove to Gainesville from South Florida to show its investment in every stage of the case.
“We are here so that they know we care,” he said.
Also in attendance were Aguilar's brother, cousin and friend Erika Friman who previously dated Bravo. Friman wore a shirt with Christian's name tucked under a black blazer. She said everything still feels "surreal."
Carlos Aguilar said he also wanted updated about the prosecution's strategy and an idea of where the case is heading. He said he feels the case is getting stronger.
His father said the family plans to be present for the entire trial, whenever it begins.
“Christian still has a voice, and that voice is 'I deserve justice,'” he said.