NOGALES, Ariz. (AP) — Closing arguments are expected Thursday in the trial of an Arizona rancher charged with fatally shooting an unarmed migrant on his property near the U.S.-Mexico border last year.
George Alan Kelly, 75, was charged with second-degree murder in the January 30, 2023, shooting of Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea, who lived just south of the border in Nogales, Mexico.
The more than two-week trial included jurors visiting Kelly’s nearly 170-acre (69-hectare) cattle ranch in Nogales, Arizona. Cuen-Buitimea, 48, was in a group of men that Kelly encountered. The other migrants weren’t injured and managed to escape back to Mexico.
The case has attracted national attention as border security continues to be a top issue this election year and garnered sympathy for the rancher from some on the political right. Court records show Cuen-Buitimea had previously entered the U.S. illegally several times and was deported, most recently in 2016.
Zimbabwe frees prisoners, including those sentenced to death, in an independence day amnesty
Crusaders rediscover winning form with 11
California doctor with cancer gets rare lung
Japan's lunar craft lands successfully but can't generate solar power
National stadium getting closer to becoming reality as assessor views options
KiwiRail seeks advice to extend life of Interislander Kaitaki ferry
Chinese TV authorities move to curb obsessive fan culture
Prince Harry confirms he is now a US resident
Hong Kong man jailed 21 months for throwing eggs
As earnings season rolls into its heart, hopes rise for broader gains
Olivia Munn's breast cancer diagnosis raising awareness for women to seek additional screening