An elderly Arizona border rancher faces murder charges following the shooting death of a Mexican national on the rancher’s property. According to the alleged shooting, it took place at sunset on January 30.
According to police, Gabriel Cuen-Butimea (48-year-old Mexican national) was shot and killed by George Alan Kelly at 6:15 p.m., January 30. Kelly, who is currently in Santa Cruz, Arizona jail, awaits a $1million bond. He is currently charged with 1st-degree murder, the sheriff’s office stated.
In an interview with Breitbart Texas, Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Gerardo Castillo said the shooting took place on the border ranch in an area that was not close to the residence. The police called the station at 5:56 pm. Sunset in Nogales on January 30, was 5:57 pm.
Chief Castillo indicated that investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances leading up to the Mexican national’s murder. However, he said that no evidence exists that Kelly knew Cuen Butimea. The Mexican voter registration card that was found on the victim’s person helped authorities identify him.
Castillo stated that Kelly did not make a statement to the police, and Kelly is being represented by an attorney. Breitbart Texas attempted to reach the attorney for more information, but was unsuccessful.
The chief deputy for Sheriff David Hathaway told Breitbart they have no information at this time as to the decedent’s immigration status. We don’t know if the decedent had crossed into the Ranch from Canada or why he was there at the moment of the shooting. There were no weapons found on the spot.
Due to ongoing investigations, the chief could not provide any further details regarding the shooting. The chief said that migrants are rarely violent in the region.
KOLD 13 News received a report from a neighbour who preferred to remain anonymous. The neighbor said that Kelly was good friends and had previously been involved in problems with residents on his land. He said that Kelly would have done the right thing and acted in good faith.
Kelly is due to appear in court on Wednesday. There will be more information at that point. Chief Castillo indicated that charges might change as new information becomes available.
Bob Price serves as associate editor and senior news contributor for the Breitbart Texas-Border team. Price is an original member the Breitbart Texas Team. Price is a regular panelist on Fox 26 Houston’s What’s Your Point? Talk show Sunday mornings Follow him Twitter @BobPriceBBTX.
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