North IA Murder Suspect Motion to Suppress Evidence Overruled, Trial Rescheduled

A motion to suppress evidence by a former Charles City resident accused of killing a New Hampton man last fall has been denied and a new trial date has been set.

26-year-old Sayvonne Jordan faces charges of first-degree murder, going armed with intent, and abuse of a corpse in the death of 30-year-old Jonathan Esparza on October 20, 2022. His remains were found at Jordan’s Elma residence November 30, 2022.

Defense counsel recently filed to suppress evidence against Jordan, claiming he wasn’t read his Miranda rights, he was subjected to questioning for hours in a DCI agent’s car, and that any evidence gathered in Jordan’s yard was obtained illegally. 

The prosecution has filed resistance countering that Jordan voluntarily entered the DCI agent’s car, which was unlocked and where Jordan was told he was not under arrest or in custody, and that their search warrant extended to his entire property. 

A hearing to consider evidence suppression was held Wednesday *08.09) in Howard County District Court. On Thursday (08.10), a judge overruled the defense’s motion to suppress and Jordan’s trial was rescheduled for November 1st. 

Jordan, who has pleaded not guilty to all counts, remains in the Howard County Jail in Cresco on a $1 million cash bond.