Tulsa Teen Cleared In Deadly Attack

The suspect, Edgar Saucedo, was cleared Friday of manslaughter charges in the death of 16-year-old Eddie Ledesma.

Thursday, May 7th 2009, 5:32 pm

By: News On 6

By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- An outraged mother speaks out after the teenager who is accused of killing her son walks free. Edgar Saucedo is home with his family after a jury cleared him of manslaughter charges. His lawyer says his client wasn't the one who dealt the fatal blow to 16-year-old Eddie Ledesma.

Watching some small children test out their soccer legs at a Tulsa park on Thursday night gave Juana Ledesma a lump in her throat.

"Seeing these boys playing soccer came to my mind when my son started playing soccer, too," said Juana Ledesma.

Juana's son, Eddie Ledesma, was just 16 years old, playing the sport he loved, when his life was taken.

Police say 16-year-old Edgar Saucedo punched Ledesma several times after a church soccer game, last November.

Saucedo was arrested and charged with manslaughter. Saucedo's attorney says his client did have an altercation with Eddie Ledesma, even admits Saucedo punched Ledesma several times. But, he says there were several kids scuffling, fighting and kicking. And, his client wasn't the one who delivered the blow that killed Ledesma.

The jury agreed with the defense and came back with a not-guilty verdict within 15 minutes.

"We still in shock. Because we never thought that this was going to happen this way," said Juana Ledesma, victim's mother.

Juana says her son wanted to go to college and play soccer in the Olympics one day. Now, all she has left are memories.

She knows a guilty verdict wouldn't bring her son back, but she feels like someone should be held responsible.

"If he didn't punch my son, we could still have him to our side. And, he's gone. And, I think he should pay for what he did," said Juana Ledesma.

After being in custody for the last six months, Edgar Saucedo is relieved to be home with his family. His attorney says it's clear the prosecution had no evidence that his client was the one who killed Eddie Ledesma.

Saucedo's attorney also told The News On 6 that his client has never been in trouble before. And, they're going to try to get him back to as normal a life, as possible.