A Kingsland man has been cleared of charges he allegedly kidnapped and held a former girlfriend at knife point, officials confirmed.
A Llano County jury Feb. 11, returned verdicts of not guilty on all charges against 47year-old Fabian Mirelez. The trial began Feb. 9.
Mirelez had been charged with burglary of a habitation with intent to commit another felony, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and unlawful restraint – exposure to serious bodily injury.
The charges stemmed from allegations made by his former girlfriend, Jessica Blake.
“Prosecutors alleged that Mirelez unlawfully entered Blake’s residence and assaulted her with a knife,” according to a press release from North Hill Country Public Defender’s Office.
The burglary charge, a first-degree felony, carried a potential sentence of up to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Mirelez was represented by Sean Rogers of the North Hill Country Public Defender’s Office, Rogers was assisted by Camilla Cutbirth and received invaluable help from Erica Gambrell and Chris Sanders. Following the verdict, Rogers addressed the evidence presented at trial.
“This case was based on false allegations made during the breakdown of a relationship,” Rogers stated. “The complainant’s account was contradicted by camera footage, phone records, and physical evidence, all of which demonstrated that the events could not have occurred as alleged.”
The press release continued: “Mrs. Blake claimed that on March 7, 2025, she had been held hostage at knifepoint for six hours, and injured with a knife, after a random break-in by Mr. Mirelez.
According to the defense, phone records showed that Blake placed a nine-minute call to Mirelez prior to his arrival at the residence. Surveillance footage showed Mirelez ringing the doorbell before entering.
“The defense also presented evidence that a roommate was present in the small home during the time in question and reported hearing “no disturbance”.
“Additionally, timestamps from surveillance footage contradicted Blake’s 911 call, which claimed Mirelez was breaking down the front door at a time when video evidence showed he was elsewhere,” the statement continued. “The defense further demonstrated the physical evidence did not support the allegation that Blake’s injuries were inflicted by Mirelez, or in fact even suffered an injury that day.
“It was an emotional and difficult process for Mr. Mirelez,” Rogers added. “We are grateful the jury carefully examined the evidence and returned a just verdict.”
Cutbirth expressed satisfaction that “the jury took their roles as fact finder seriously.”
As of Feb. 6, Mirelez had been released from custody after spending approximately 11 months in jail pending trial.
