Trial for man accused in murders of mother, children pushed back

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Volusia County man charged in the murders of his wife and her two children was back in court Tuesday afternoon.

Luis Toledo's defense team was granted more time to prepare for trial. Tuesday's hearing was quick and Toledo didn't say much. His trial was previously scheduled to begin in April, but it was pushed back to at least the summer.

"We would continue the case for at least 90 days,"  Toledo's attorney said.

The defense attorneys asked for a continuance and waived Toledo's right to a speedy trial for the alleged murder of his wife, Yessenia Suarez, and her children.

"Mr. Toledo, do you have any objection to that continuance?" the judge asked.

"No ma'am," Toledo said.

According to investigators, Toledo admitted to striking Suarez in the throat and killing her, but he claims someone else killed the children. Their bodies have never been found.

Suarez's stepfather said the whole ordeal has been frustrating.

"We put it in God's hands. We pray a lot, that's all we can do, pray and ask God to give us strength," Ruben Perez said.

The judge granted the defense motion for a continuance, leaving the Suarez family waiting longer to learn the fate of the man accused of the murders.

"We live with it every single day like if it was yesterday and we haven't forgotten about Yessie or the kids," Perez said.

Toledo's next court date is set for mid-June, where they may determine a trial date.

WFTV