Reynaldo Celaya is the previous prime suspect in the murder of his wife Marcela Celaya, who faked her death and framed Reynaldo for murder. Reynaldo planned with his brother and Marcela's new husband Rafael Celaya to kill her when he got out.
History[]
The Celaya brothers and Marcela all grew up in Newark, with Reynaldo originally being Marcela's husband. They were both unfaithful to each other, Reynaldo having sex with married woman Patricia Botten, Marcela having an affair with Reynaldo's brother Rafael. To run away with Rafael, Marcela faked her death and framed Reynaldo for "murder". Patricia was supposed to testify in Reynaldo's defense, but her husband Paco made her not so he didn't seem weak from his wife cheating on him.
Reynaldo was convicted on manslaughter and served ten years in prison, and Marcela and Reynaldo fled to New York City. Rafael always regretted leaving Reynaldo to take the fall, and his sham marriage to Marcela, who went by the name Anna Brisenio and had Rafael take the same last name, was an unhappy one. When Reynaldo got out, he met with Rafael again, saying he blamed Marcela and not Rafael. Imploring Rafael to get revenge and kill Marcela because the brothers were family and she needed to pay, Reynaldo convinced Rafael.
Rafael shot Marcela dead, once in her head, on a park trail, ready for Reynaldo to take the fall again. Since his alibi was weak and Marcela's and Rafael's real names were found, Rafael was arrested. However, Rafael used his prepared argument that Reynaldo was out and wanted revenge. Reynaldo was arrested on suspicion and arraigned, with Rafael and Reynaldo screaming at and fighting each other in court as part of the ruse.
Reynaldo dropped his bombshell "double jeopardy" defense and insisted he'd not only get off, but he'd sue for false imprisonment. But the ruse came apart when Rafael was witnessed at the scene, leading to Rafael caving and giving a full confession. Rafael was imprisoned for murder, while Reynaldo served more time for facilitation. (L&O: "Couples")