Brewers’ Machado Leaves Venezuelan Prison

Milwaukee Brewer pitcher Julio Machado, in a Caracas, Venezuela, jail since Jan. 16 in connection with the shooting death of a Venezuelan woman, was released Friday.

Judge Rachel Rimer said the case “continues, but in the meantime (Machado) is permitted to leave prison.” Rimer said she would decide Monday whether Machado can leave Venezuela to play for the Brewers this season.

Machado is accused of killing Edicta Vasquez on Dec. 8. Vasquez was a passenger in a car driven by Machado that was involved in an accident. During a dispute with the driver of the other car, Machado pulled a 9-mm pistol and fired two shots, one of which killed Vasquez.

Machado has admitted to firing shots, but said he did so in self-defense, fearing a robbery.