Judge Rules Against Plea Withdrawal For Man Accused Of Killing Ex-Girlfriend

Dario Acevedo, who pled guilty to multiple charges in October 2024, sought to withdraw his plea during a hearing Monday in Oklahoma County District Court.

Judge Kirkpatrick denied the motion, ruling that Acevedo’s plea was entered knowingly and voluntarily. Acevedo, charged with murdering his former girlfriend Maria Aguilar in March 2024, had previously rejected a plea deal on Dec. 19 that would have sentenced him to life imprisonment for first-degree murder.

“This was, as they say, the deal of the century; he should have taken it,” said Assistant District Attorney Pamela Stillings, adding that Aguilar’s family was devastated by his decision.

Court Ruling on Motion to Withdraw Plea

During Monday's hearing, both parties presented arguments before the judge. The court ruled that Acevedo’s guilty plea "had not been entered due to inadvertence, ignorance, or undue influence." The judge also noted that Acevedo failed to present a defense he would use at trial.

The court’s decision means Acevedo’s guilty plea will stand.

Details of the Case

Court documents state that Acevedo forced his way into Aguilar’s southwest Oklahoma City apartment on March 25, 2024. He allegedly fatally shot Aguilar, then shot her 23-year-old daughter, Jessica Aguilar, who survived. Acevedo also allegedly threatened his own 11-year-old daughter, who escaped and called 911.

Police took Acevedo into custody at the scene. He was later charged with first-degree murder, assault, and battery with a deadly weapon, and pointing a firearm at another.

“He shot one of the victims four times and she lived after killing her mother, and all of this happened in front of one of his children,” Stillings said.

Courtroom Tensions and Rejected Plea Deal

In a December hearing, Acevedo reportedly sobbed and attempted to intimidate the victims’ family members, including his biological daughter and another shooting survivor.

“What I saw was him giving very ugly looks to his family,” Stillings said. “The stares made the family stronger and no longer willing to offer a deal.”

Following the plea rejection, Stillings confirmed that the offer was revoked. “He is now facing up to life without the possibility of parole,” she said.