The Mystery of the Murdered Rancher
Mar 29th, 2010 | By Michel Marizco | Category: General News, Immigration
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THE BORDER REPORT
Law enforcement sources in southeastern Arizona say a long-time rancher found murdered Saturday night was shot at with a handgun stolen from a home in Portal, near the New Mexico border. Take the information with a grain of salt for now; it’s a bit soon in the investigation, but my source has been reliable in the past.
Robert Krentz, a 58-year-old rancher whose family has worked the Arizona country for more than a century wasn’t shy about calling in the U.S. Border Patrol when he suspected a load of dope was being moved in. Last week, a friend of his from Douglas says, he called in an interdiction to the Feds. Friends say he was also known for helping illegal immigrants when he deemed they needed water or rescuing.
Motive? Don’t know yet. The gun, allegedly a Glock nine-millimeter, was stolen sometime before the shooting. Krentz had gone out onto his property to check a water line, taking his dog with him and riding his Polaris. There was a radio call in to the Border Patrol, then nothing. He suffered one gunshot to the chest; the dog took several rounds. Krentz was slumped over his ATV when deputies found him. He had tried to drive away, I’m told.
Here is the account from the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office:
Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Shooting Death
On Saturday March 27, 2010 at approximately 6:20 pm the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office was advised of a possible missing person in a rural area northeast of Douglas. The missing person was reported to be working on his ranch which covers approximately 35,000 acres between Douglas and Apache.
The information received was from a brother of the missing subject advising that the two of them were working on their ranch early in the morning hours using separate vehicles. The brother advised that the two were operating off of hand held radio phones and between 10:00 and 10:30 he heard his brother, Robert Krentz, call him. The brother advised that all he was able to understand was “illegal alien” and “hurt”. The brother advised that Robert always helped people in need and this was not uncharacteristic for him to try and help someone who was hurt. The brother advised that he called Robert back to have him repeat the transmission without success. The brother advised that the two were scheduled to meet at a predetermined location on the ranch at 12:00 noon and Robert did not show up. The brother advised that he waited for awhile and continued to try and reach Robert without success, so he and other family members and friends began searching the ranch in the areas that the two were working. When the family and friends were unable to locate Robert they contacted the Sheriff’s Office for assistance.
The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team deployed to the area with 6 mobile units and 2 all terrain vehicles, as well as air support assistance from the Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopter. Shortly before midnight the helicopter crew advised that they had located the missing subject who was deceased inside of his Polaris ATV and his dog was with him appeared to be injured.
Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives responded to the area and confirmed that Robert Krentz was deceased at the scene and his dog was critically injured.
The investigators tracked the Polaris path back approximately 1000 feet to where the incident began. Detectives were able to determine that Robert Krentz apparently came upon one subject in the area. While Robert Krentz was still in his vehicle he appeared to have been shot, along with his dog, when he drove his vehicle away from the scene at a high rate of speed before becoming unconscious.
Foot tracks at the scene were identified and followed south by Sheriff’s Deputies, trackers from U.S. Border Patrol, and Department of Corrections dog chase teams. All agencies, and air support from US Border Patrol were able to follow signs and tracks approximately twenty miles south to the United States/Mexico border. No suspects have been apprehended as of this time.
The body of Robert Krentz was transported to the Cochise County medical Examiners Office for the completion of an autopsy to determine approximate time of death. The dog will also be analyzed for evidence purposes before being released back to the Krentz family.
Sheriff Larry Dever has scheduled a press conference to be held at the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, 205 N Judd Drive in Bisbee at 1:00 pm to review the details we have listed above. The press conference is scheduled to last approximately 45 minutes and will be in the lobby of the building.
By all accounts, Krentz was a legitimate individual, not involved in trafficking or vigilantism. The Tucson Weekly’s Leo Banks had quoted him in a story a few years ago when writing about the area between New Mexico and Arizona. Two men crossing from Chihuahua had killed one of his newborn calves with a metal post and cooked it on the spot.
A second friend says Krentz was scheduled to meet with former Republican Congressman Tom Tancredo today. Tancredo is down in southeastern Arizona interviewing residents about border issues. Since leaving office, he’s been speaking at Tea Party Movements.
The timing is curious. If you’ll recall, the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps were scheduled to storm southern Arizona this weekend, “locked and loaded,” to pursue illegal immigrants and drug smugglers. The organization says it disbanded after putting out the call to arms because too many people had taken them seriously and they couldn’t assure everyone who showed up wouldn’t lose it. Separate law enforcement sources say another group of vigilantes has sprung up, accosting Americans and Mexicans alike, claiming they work for the Department of Homeland Security. One of the suspects is from Tempe.
The Chiricahuas have grown increasingly busy in recent years, with drug smugglers using the Pelencillo Mountains near Rodeo, New Mexico, as a favored transport route.
We’ll keep on this story as it develops over the day.
Photos Credit: A good friend in the area.
A report I read said one of the immigrants was injured and he radioed his family to call the border patrol for help and after that the family didn’t hear anything. If the drug smugglers knew what was good for them they wouldn’t do stuff like this, it is only going to bring heat on them.
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If his last name was Spanish would he be “By all accounts…a legitimate individual” at this point in the investigation. Absolutely not.
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http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/669268.html
pinchi calderon, no supo combatir el narco, prefero mill beces a salinas k este amár.
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it’s fooked up that this even happened to this individual but seven rounds into the dog? was that necessary?
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According to the article, here’s my timeline:
Throughout the morning Mr. Krentz and his brother were working on his ranch. According to the brother they were working separately, driving separate vehicles and communicating via hand held radios.
Between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM, Mr. Krentz’s brother advised that he heard him state the following words: “illegal alien” and “hurt.”
Having heard his brother pronounce, what he understood to be the word “hurt,” he attempted to get in contact with him to no avail, nonetheless he did not appear to be alarmed by the lack of response, because according to the article he waited until 12:00 PM, when Mr. Krentz did not show up, in order to contact him again.
What I find most alarming is the fact that Mr. Krentz’s brother advised, “That he waited for awhile and continued to try and reach Robert without success.” Consequently, about two hours lapse before his brother found it strange that he was not responding, before deciding to finally go out and search for him. Then at 6:20 PM, 8 hours and 20 minutes later, the family decided to contact the local authorities.
I suppose there may be a chance that the authorities will release additional information regarding the evidence gathered at the scene of the crime. However, the action, or the lack thereof, is quite telling. It’s actually very strange and very unfortunate.
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The dog wasn’t the target, he just happen to be in the car with his owner.
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There was nothing strange about the time it took to look for him.People take care of themselves out that way.Another rancher(Matt Clump) fell of his horse last year and laid outside 12 hours before his dad came looking for him.Now that Verizon has swallowed up Altel the crappy cell coverage is worse than ever.It is a hard place for radios to work too.
I’ve gone down to my barn (south of Bowie)in the middle of the night and found people getting out of the cold and rain.I’ve helped people with sprained ankles get down from the mountains behind the house and I’ve given food to guys waiting to be picked up but lately there has been a new more hard edged type around.My guess is if you lose a load you die. Wait time for law enforcement and BP is up to 2 hours and they are pretty worthless(lack of area knowledge) when they do show up. I think legalizing dope and building Mexico’s economy are the only long term answers.In the meantime we are in a bit of a pinch unless Gov. Brewer sends in the guard.
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Jerry: Thanks for the insight, it was quite informative. You basically cancelled out any qualms I had about what may have transpired at the ranch. It’s unfortunate that the situation is so dire.
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Keep in mind , that illegal would not have KNOWN that the man meant him no harm. In his mind, he got that far and was taking no chances. With all the crackdowns on illegals, its become a ‘trust noone’ situation.
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@ Carlos,
Except we still don’t know for sure if Mr. Krentz was murdered by an illegal immigrant.
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Something stinks here, aside from the obvious, Jerry you seem to know a little more about the area, can a person make 20 miles on foot in that country in approximatley 24 hours? And more if they are not familiar with the area? Above that sounds like the search for Mr. Krentz actually started before that 24 period was up. At any rate I find it highly unlikely that a wandering illegal did it. Even if they got scared. This had to be done by someone familiar with the area. Narcos don’t make sense either because even an idiot knows that this is going heat things up like crazy. Polleros, same thing. If the person that did this was working for a trafficker they could almost be sure to pay for it in Mexico from the people they work for.
@ carlos illegals don’t steal guns and run south dude.
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Well, what we do know so far (thanks to Jerry) is that it’s quite normal for someone to go missing for hours without anyone thinking it’s strange or alarming. And also, that the reception over there is awful.
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I heard they thought the BP would get him when he came out of a canyon but he slipped away.20 miles in 24 hours without a bundle on his back?…in his sleep …… A lot of it is open ground but with washes and brush for cover. By my place I often see 8 or 9 guys (all dressed in Black) on distant hills moving real fast (with packs)
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The border patrol is useless. There are wheel polishers in Eloy AZ that the truck drivers complain about. One called ICE and ICE had no idea where Eloy was or the TA truck stop. Never heard of it..then the truck driver found out that the border patrol offices are across the road from the wheel polishers.
As for the law in AZ..a man was driving without a license or insurance..arrested in the Verde Valley after being stopped for some minor violation. He was released. His wife who claims she is unwed, collects entitlement benefits for children (they were married in Mexico, no US record) and his brother registered the car, obtained insurance and the illegal is back on the road, back on the construction job.
The law is worthless..absolutely worthless until the US is so overrun that Americans will either have to learn spanish or fight with no help from the government. But this has been the story for all of my lifetime..Americans pay and obey..everyone else has “rights.
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Is anyone watching what is going on in the Valley of Juarez. Six were killed in Placitas. What I have read is that El Chapos boys are trying to force everyone out of the area. They are threatening, bullying and torturing them. They are threatening that everyone should leave or else, and they are telling them they have a month to do so. Many are taking refuge across the border in Fort Handaisy. This has been going on for quite a while. I know now how strong Rikin’s leadership was for the Juarez Cartel now. To bad he was captured. I quess the Juarez Cartel is so taxed that they cannot protect much more than parts of the city. But then, they have supprised us many times haven’t they. There is a lot of recent stuff about this in the El Paso Times Juarez section.
It brings the political arena about the Sinaloa Cartel being supported by the Mexican Government even more to light. These small towns have no protection and because most worked for the Juarez Cartel, the Mexican Army will not intervene. It looks like we are going to see some communities slaughtered in the next 3 weeks.
One positve thing is that the US says they will not deport Mexican criminals to Juarez. This could be a small plus for Juarez in the long run with a few less criminals for cartels to recruit and/or a few less independents doing kidnappings, robberies and extortion.
Drift, Rabbit, Anyone got some insider information on what is really going on there?
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http://lapolaka.com/2010/03/29/a-la-dona-la-dan-por-muerta/
heres an interesting article, supposedly this broad first worked for El Monico and then switched sides to Noel Salguerios crew but they’re is infighting going on in that crew and this broad took up a crew of hitmen to take out some Mexicles and Doblados out in Chihuahua and these people are supposedly aligned with Gente Nueva but as i posted in another forum here i honestly think some of these people really dont know who they’re working for cuz some of the Mexicles roll with the Linea in Chihuahua as into what is really going on in the Valley of Juarez i cannot honestly answer because I have no idea what the hell is going on because as i said they really dont know who works for who but im going to point in saying this is Gente Nueva doing all the desmadre over there. I think someone was even stabbed to death in the middle of a soccer field also in the Valley of Juarez
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@ Isabella, Sacc,
Both of you.
Calmados. You both raise good points. Don’t dissolve into shouting matches.
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From the AZ Republic:
“Capas (the sheriff’s spokeswoman) said Phil Krentz had called Border Patrol agents to the Krentz Ranch one day before the homicide after witnessing illegal immigrant activity. She said the agents found more than 200 pounds of discarded marijuana and arrested eight undocumented immigrants in the area.”
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/03/29/20100329rancher-killed-at-arizona-ranch.html
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Also, it sounds like Krentz knew what illegal aliens looked like. I doubt that he would say “illegal alien” into his radio if he had actually stumbled onto a redneck or neo-nazi methhead.
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The guy got taken out becuse he kept calling in loads simple la mafia no perdona
its not the first time a rancher gets killed couple years ago one got clipped in palominas dennis divver
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And by the way the narcos do kill anybody that get in there path aunque se caliente el terreno the rancher that got clipped in palominas was dosmiles doing
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I am in the south west right now.
T R C,
It is another day down there. Chapo isn’t gonna stop til he’s in control of it all. With the help of the government, of course. I will see if I can get some juicy info in the morning.
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@ tantos
Things are not always what they appear. I understand and respect you point. Is it possible he had already been at gunpoint when he made the call and was told what to say? Is it possible someone was dressed as an illegal alien? That poses another question what exactly does an illegal look like? I am not saying this to be a smartass but every illegal is not a clone of the one who came before him. There are a lot of possibilities. My biggest problem is, how does a stolen gun from Portal wind up in the hands of an illegal alien around Douglas? Assuming that info is correct. I don’t know of any illegal aliens that make a habit out of traveling south, and whats more alone. Even without the gun, think about it, if you were trying to sneak someplace would you do the one thing that would draw the most heat possible to you? I doubt it. But then again if I was an Illegal I would wear a neon orange vest and walk right down the highway in the middle of the day like I owned the place. But thats just me. I would also rule out the methhead as someone else suggested, doesn’t fit. We have 5 pools to pull a suspect from,
1. Illegal
2. Narcotraffic (local)
3. Narcotraffic (other)
4. Propaganda
5. Misc.
Problems with number 1 are fairly clear. Number 2, business comes 1st, people working for the cartels on this side are not sloppy, you don’t work long if you are. Number 3, maybe but thats a stretch. Number 4 has the most to gain, easier to obtain the weapon, and the ability to scout the deal out prior to commiting the act. Number 5. Why? least likely.
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I tried to post this earlier but the spam protection thing wasn’t having any of it….
@nadien: Strikes me as odd as well that they would high-tail it South by foot. I know that country (I grew up in Bisbee), and 20 miles in 24 hours would be making good time if you were on a road. Add in some bush-whacking and hiding from every single person because you just killed a guy and probably didn’t think you’d need to pack a lunch and guns get real heavy when you’re trying to haul ass, it just doesn’t add up. Something else went down here.
My condolences to the Krentz family.
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This story is so correct and scary. The drug “war” is spilling to our borders. Law enforcement and border patrols are having trouble trying to stop the madness, how do they expect 1 farmer to? Americans along the borders should be protected by our government. It’s the same as if a Mexican army was crossing the border and shooting our people. Would our army intervene then? This is becoming a war IN America, regardless of who the army is controlling and killing us.
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36090388/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/
I guess everyone is coming over to the states.
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Hola Isabella.
@ almost everyone
there are some good points being made.
My condolences to the Krentz family as well.
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The 20 mile distance to get back to the border was not a problem. Remember the timeline, the authorities were not informed until after 6 pm, 8 hours after the shooting occured (has the coroner confirmed the time of death yet?). Anyone can walk a 20 minute mile – that’s 3 miles an hour. Plenty of time to walk (WALK) back to Mexico before the search was even started. The shooter didn’t need to hide from anyone at that point. It doesn’t look like it was an accident that the shooter knew where to ambush Krentz to have the huge time cushion to escape.
@Nadien: You left out one suspect: Someone close to Krentz (and his murder has nothing to do with the border or the narcos or the redneck militias), and it was a murder for hire. The problem with your #4 is that most redneck militia types refuse to speak Spanish, and wouldn’t know how to go about hiring a paisa to kill someone and hightail it back to Mexico. But you never know – those crazy white militia people in Michigan planned to ambush a cop and then bomb his funeral to kill more cops.
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A google earth search of the area shows that it would be an easy trek south following one of the main washes flowing south (Tex Canyon or others). Lots of water tanks, lots of tree cover, someone knowing the terrain would know he would not need to carry water. Hwy 80 crosses the wash as well and could have been used as an escape route, in case the trackers were mistaken. There are probably lots of tracks in these washes in both the north and south directions.
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@ Tantos: While you or I could have nice easy stroll down the San Bernadino Valley at 3 mph, somebody that just killed a guy would probably not be able to project the same sense of unease. He (or she I guess) would have had no idea the cops wouldn’t be notified for eight hours, and therefore would have hugged the Lower Peloncillos on one side or the other. The west side is gnarly (that’s why Geronimo and Cochise hung out there) and the east side has those nice Nature Conservancy folks that bought the Grey Ranch, and they don’t like anyone. Somebody hauling ass North is one thing, but somebody bustin’ South is going to attract a LOT of attention, especially down there.
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Hola Vinotino
Tantos: I was reading the Indictment on the group from Michigan. Here’s what I’ve got so far:
The Michigan extremists, according to the federal Indictment, are known as the “Hutaree” and they follow orders from Captain Hutaree, David Brian Stone aka RD.
The general allegations state as follows:
“At all relevant times described herein, there existed an organization known as the “HUTAREE,” based in Lenawee County Michigan, which is an anti-government extremist organization which advocates violence against local, state, and Federal law enforcement.”
According to the article the group is not associated with Christians or any of the militias in Michigan, they are simply random radicals. In fact, a member of a militia was adamant in denying any association with the extremists group that was arrested. Four of the seven men involved look as if they are very young (perhaps in their 20s), which is quite unfortunate. Also, four of the seven are family members, Stone Sr., Stone Jr., Josh Stone and Tina Stone, which means that if they are convicted of the alleged charges they’ll be separated and they won’t be able to communicate with each other, because federal prisoners are not allowed to communicate with one another. They would have to do it indirectly through other family members that are not in custody. What’s worse is that I suppose this type of extreme behavior is expected from Al Qaueda and the Taliban, but not from Americans.
Here’s a link to the article from CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/03/30/michigan.militia.arrests/index.html?hpt=T2
A link to the indictment is also included in the article. It’s a good read.
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I missed a t in Vinotinto (sorry!) and I spelled Al Qaeda wrong, no u in Qaeda.
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Isabella:
The “timeline” of this is not strange or unusual at all to any of us familiar with the ranching way of life. I myself am just a 26 year old single female born into a cattle ranching family. Although we do not ranch in Arizona, it is not unusual for anyone to be out working and hard to get a hold of. For many ranching families, cell phones do not have service at their properties so they operate with radios. Often the batteries may fail, service may go out, they may have even dropped or lost their radio, or just not near at the time. Ranchers have an incredibely hard job that is almost always independent in nature. Although I am young and used to “modern technology” we never even had cell reception on our ranch until I was 23 years old. If someone does not meet you at a given time, you don’t cry “wolf” because you would be crying wolf daily. Instead you often assume, they ran into a calf on the wrong side of the fence and had to get them across and mothered up, they ran into a water problem they had to get fixed, ran into a sick animal that required doctoring, and the list goes on and on. You do not call law enforcement anytime someone “shows up late for lunch”. Law enforcement in most parts of this nation can take hours to arrive and false alarms are not looked highly upon.
If you research this family and others ranching along the Mexico border in States from California to Texas, they have been dealing with incredibely dangerous illegal immigrants for decades crossing through their land. What people don’t realize is “their land” can run for miles and miles so they are often alone or with another family member 10 miles from their homeplace and could encounter a band of drug runners. They could also encounter “harmless illegals”. However anymore the days of harmless illegals is becoming less and less and these packs of drug runners are highly sophisticated and have scouts throughout their entire journey and will kill anyone in their path. This is “their normal” day to day existance….we all need to chew on that for awhile.
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Jenna: I’m a city girl and Jerry explained some of the issues I found strange. As for your statement about law enforcement in that area, that kind of conduct would be considered negligence where I live. Even if it takes police officers hours to respond, by law, they are forced to respond to each call, even if it may be a false alarm. Technically, you have no control over a situation, be it a false alarm or not, so the fact that they respond in such a negative manner is terrible. I would remind them who pays their salaries.
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The key on this incident is what they find out at Portal where the weapon was stolen or farther north. Why was the weapon and possibly the suspect heading south already? Was it somebody already on the run and from what. Krentz had the misfortune of coming up on this individual in his Polaris, and my guess is it was a side by side ATV. The suspect believing he was being confronted, shot the victim as he approached. The dog did what dogs do when they feel aggression towards their masters, growl, bark or attack, and was also shot. Krentz then probably accelerated away but succumbed 1000 feet away where the ATV came to a stop. They stop when the foot is taken off the pedal. His radio transmission was either before the confrontation or after. Don’ know. Hard to believe he said “illegal alien” in that situation with all his past dealings with immigrants. Did he see someone who was hurt prior to the shooting or did he transmit that meaning he was hurt? Don’t know.
The suspect then escaped going south according to the information put out. Now he had to move fast from a much more serious crime than a robbery. It is very difficult to track somebody for over 20 miles in that terrain. The average time to track an armed individual is two hours for every mile. The dogs would not have had any good scent to follow so I believe they were out of the equation from the get go. Too much other scent around. With ATV’s, spotters, and aircraft it could have gone faster but the suspect is now desperate and could have done a number of things including hitching a ride on the highway. Way too much terrain to cover between the scene and the border. South of the border is also wide open. I think it is just assumed he made it to the border. It would have been almost impossible to tell.
Lots that is not known from the information put out. They will track his movements backward and find it was somebody besides an undocumented immigrant going north. This guy was on the run from something besides the gun robbery. Lost load or a pursuit north of Portal? More serious crime up north? Something will come up.
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We still dont know who the shooter was,and their motovation.
IT could be a random act of violence.If so, you are much safer on the border than
in Phoenix or any other big city. You can be shot at for looking the” wrong way ” at a stoplight.
If it was a hired hit , the first people detectives look at is the people closest to the victom
as a process of elimination. …….. chew on that
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Crime is bad everywhere, I know I seem a little irritated towards law enforcement, for instance, around here they only seem to care when someone is killed. I don’t understand why it has to go that far for them to take any incident seriously. And even then, they only attempt to solve murders when it comes out on The First 48 Hours, a television show on A & E that Miami homicide investigators are part of. Also, it does bothers me when I see more than one police officer hanging out, just shooting the breeze, while I know there are people getting mugged or worse.
My sister lives in a good neighborhood, from what I can tell people there seem to be well off, on Monday morning, one of her neighbors woke up to their car on bricks. Somehow they managed to put an Escalade on bricks. I joked stuff like that it only happens in South Central LA, but it wasn’t funny, because they’ve done that to 6 cars. What happens when rims are no longer enough? It can only escalate from here. Right now the excuse is that since the economy is bad, crime is undoubtedly on the rise.
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@ Isabella
and this is a good neighborhood?…………….. im wondering what a fooked up neighborhood is like in your town!?
lol
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Drift: Feel free to google Liberty City or Overtown in Miami. My sister lives in Coral Gables, but I think any neighborhood in Miami Dade County is a target at this point. I know for a fact that home invasions are on the rise.
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yeah…. that Liberty City or Overtown seem jacked up to me, but on a lighter and funny note here’s a video to make you clowns laugh….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYFtcfAYnUQ
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Funny shit Drift. You the poker or the pokee? LOL
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Please see the Arizona (2nd) article at the site below. It concerns a similar incident at Salero Ranch north of Nogales back in 1982. I bring it to your attention because of the similarities, as well as a couple points. I believe the murderer is most probably an illegal alien, based on what facts are known. And illegal aliens have been stealing, burglarizing and robbing for many years and heading south afterwards, to hawk their ill-gotten booty. It happens every day, as I write this. I have some confidence that the murderer will be found. There can be no true justice for Rob Krentz and his family. His death is a senseless loss of life for a man who, by all accounts, knew when to be a hard-nose and when to be a compassionate man. He knew how to live on the border and adjust to the hardships. He had the proper balance to live in that environment. May he rest in peace, and may God grant strength to his grieving family.
http://lists.washlaw.edu/pipermail/deathpenalty/2007-October/007125.html
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As a neighbor of the Krentz family and (obviously) a resident of the area, a couple of points may be worth noting:
— In recent years as the economy has collapsed, the trafficker pattern has changed from humping a 25 kilo load to a pickup point near I10 and continuing into the US for work to humping the load and returning the Mexico to pick up another.
— the return south offers an opportunity to double the profit through break ins, theft, and sometimes worse.
— the physical (sometimes chemically enhanced) fitness that the traffickers demonstrate is amazing. We’ve seen them, when cornered by La Migra, scramble mountain slopes carrying poorly constructed 25 kilo loads so fast that they outpace fit young men — I have photos of the trails.
— in actuality the heading south from the murder scene moves away (east) from the Hwy 80 corridor and provides greater seclusion. I am no longer young yet can easily make twelve miles in three hours through this terrain.
— there is a generations old tradition in the region of helping those in need. Until recently it was our first instinct. Mr. Krentz was not an exception.
— fear now dominates and that will probably result in more deaths for those who only seek to find a way to feed their families.
— the situation will not improve quickly.
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Hail Queen Isabella!!! The “All Knowing One”!!!!!!!….4.4% Violent Crime decrease from 2008 to 2009. 1.9% decrease from 2007 to 2008. 0.7% decrese from 2006 to 2007. When data for 2006 to 2005 were compared, the estimated volume of violent crime increased 1.9 percent. The 5-year trend (2006 compared with 2002) indicated that violent crime decreased 0.4 percent. For the 10-year trend (2006 compared with 1997) violent crime fell 13.3 percent. Crime was peaking with the economy…doesn’t taste good does it?
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Darling Vincent, not EVERYTHING is reported. In fact, all crime statistics (the ones you cut and paste) are based on the amount of information provided by local law enforcement agencies to the Justice Department. In other words, depending on how much information (police reports, a-forms, etc.) the states turn over to the federal government, that is how much funding they get in return. Essentially, the real stats are an estimation of everything that is reported and everything that’s not reported. For instance, not every rape is reported, in fact, if I’m not mistaken it’s less than half that are actually reported. In addition, I don’t know about you, but I haven’t heard about anyone who calls the cops to report that their grow house was broken into.
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Actually, I stated, “Right now the excuse is that since the economy is bad, crime is undoubtedly on the rise.” So I don’t have to retract anything I didn’t affirm, because I didn’t say, “I believe that the crime rate is linked to the recession we are experiencing.”
I’m sure there are other factors involved and it may depend on each state. But I do know that all stats are based on crimes that are reported, excluding the ones that are not of course.
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I ain’t your darling, my point was being made in the final statement “doesn’t taste good does it”. Meaning you ramble on, and on and talk down to people. You want people to think you’re right because you make a statement so it must be right. Now you come back at me and your argument is…not all crimes are reported??? Well no shit, but just because YOU say that crime is on the rise, doesn’t mean it really is. So only some years crimes are reported? That is what you’re telling me? was 2009 one of those off year’s? Was 2008? How about 2007?
Also, it’s Mr. Hanna
Also, if I want to read something from CNN…i’ll go to CNN and read it.
Now, I’m betting you lash back at me with a “go read a book” comment or a “i”m studying law” comment or, “check out my resume” comment…save it sweetheart, we have a know-it-all on here, his name is Jack, and when it comes to border/Mexico issue’s…he smoke you, and I think he is annoying, but he’s knows his shit.
I’m BAAAAAAAAAAACK bitches!!!!!!!!!!!
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Vincent I’ve never stated “check out my resume.” Not. Once. And I’m not going to entertain the rest of your comment, it speaks volumes itself.
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Done and Done. You’re welcome everyone.
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Finally someone says it.
“Vincent I’ve never stated “check out my resume.” Not. Once. And I’m not going to entertain the rest of your comment, it speaks volumes itself.”
Translation: You got me cold and I don’t want to keep on embarrassing myself by playing the know it all.
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Move: It’s nice to see that in this day and age, someone like Vicent can count on his boyfriend’s support. I truly admire how supportive you are. Truth be told, I’m beyond envious.
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“Move: It’s nice to see that in this day and age, someone like Vicent can count on his boyfriend’s support. I truly admire how supportive you are.”
Really Isabella boyfried, Ms Law student can’t come back with better insults than a elementary school girl.
“Truth be told, I’m beyond envious”
Why? Don’t tell my some stuck up woman that’s a know it all can’t keep a man. Poor thing, and now you compensate by getting attention in this site, which is easy to do since you’re the only woman in this blog. It’s okay that you are lonely but don’t come in here and talk down to us either. And don’t try to brag about being a law student because I won’t be impressed until you get a real job instead playing sexy secretary in the law firm.
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this shit is better than watching bill o’reilly getting punked.
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@
yanawnana
i completely agree with you! LMFAO!
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I’m sorry about the comment, I thought it was funny. I take it back. To be quite honest with you, I’ve read both of your comments, I’ve also read the comments you exchange with others on the blog and it’s all the same. Literally, each and every time, one insult after another.
You have nothing to discuss, nothing of substance at least, so you’re insulting me because that’s all you’ve got. I think I did this with Law Abiding Citizen a week ago, the same exact thing, exchanging insults – it was highly unproductive. I regret doing that, I could have said something more meaningful, but I didn’t. I won’t make that same mistake again.
So, go ahead, have at it. If you feel fulfilled by stating something unfounded and negative towards me, then feel free to do so. Truth is, it won’t change your reality and it won’t affect mine. Frankly, I feel the same about your comment, that I do about Vincent’s comment, it speaks volumes of your character.
And you don’t have to read books if you don’t want to. In fact, no one is forcing you to read anything.
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“And you don’t have to read books if you don’t want to. In fact, no one is forcing you to read anything.”
Really, so you are the type of person that gets all proud of herself because you read a book. I’ve read plenty of books and not because it makes me feel smart, it’s because I enjoy it. I know what I strange concept.
“You have nothing to discuss, nothing of substance at least, so you’re insulting me because that’s all you’ve got. I think I did this with Law Abiding Citizen a week ago, the same exact thing, exchanging insults – it was highly unproductive. I regret doing that, I could have said something more meaningful, but I didn’t. I won’t make that same mistake again.”
When I insult someone I just insult that specific person, I have fun doing it I admit. You do something else which is talk down to everyone like we are children. On top of that you have nothing to feel all high and mighty about. You are a student, like millions of other people currently in this country, until you prove yourself that you can actually perform well in the career you choose don’t act like a stuck up.
Also when I insult someone I add in a bunch of information about the main subject in this blog, which is drug trafficking. Which is more than what can be said about you, you like to argue without purpose to make yourself feel superior to others.
“So, go ahead, have at it. If you feel fulfilled by stating something unfounded and negative towards me, then feel free to do so. Truth is, it won’t change your reality and it won’t affect mine. Frankly, I feel the same about your comment, that I do about Vincent’s comment, it speaks volumes of your character.”
And what does it say about your character. Haven’t you insulted others before, oh but it’s okay because you feel sorry about it, typical ass female. That’s right I said you’re typical, nothing special just a student. And when you are not insulting others you talk down to them like they are retarded. I don’t know, maybe you feel unsure of yourself and use this blog as a way to try out on your debating skills. I’m just saying as highly as you think of yourself and as lowly you have said you think of us what makes you came back here. I just think you are insecure about yourself and your skills and want come in here for a confidence boost, seeing as how you make yourself believe you have the best arguments.
In the end you are here because you are a woman. You want attention and you want to feel special.
Any ways back to the subject. How is Chaguin doing, he still wants to be stuborn, or has realized you can’t back a dead organization.
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Ay mi Dios.
Drift, show us another movie, anything.
Vincent, you must of crowded in line and got the thug job. She is getting better than when we were first “exposed” to her. Some of her stuff i kinda enjoy reading. All part of the growing up education.
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@ gringo chango
Interested in hearing more from you, “In recent years as the economy has collapsed, the trafficker pattern has changed from humping a 25 kilo load to a pickup point near I10 and continuing into the US for work to humping the load and returning the Mexico to pick up another.” I have to agree with you on this one I know that this is a fact. “the return south offers an opportunity to double the profit through break ins, theft, and sometimes worse.” If I said this one doesn’t happen as much but increasing, would that be a fair statement? The “old system” was guides with illegals functioning as intelligent pack animals. (nobody go off the charts here that is not meant as an insult. hence the word burrero.) The problem with that system was that there were too many losses, some people are not cut out for this kinda thing. There has always been some who made the return trip to get paid and do it again, but I can believe it is becoming more the rule than the exception. A couple of years ago there was some talk putting together professional teams, everyone armed, geared and educated. Just repeating what I heard. A bell kinda went off when someone commented that recently the type of trafficer has changed. Also anybody know who now controls the santa cruz area?
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Anybody walking in that area is an outlier, an opportunist, and a free agent. No way would the Cartels send goods on foot when they can just send a Semi through the Port. This is really bad P.R. for them, and if the guy or girl that did this made it back to Mex, I bet they have people looking for them with not the best intentions.
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That’s what my Mom used to say. “We’re catching the little fish (the mules), but how do you keep a whole country full of Dope without some massive trucking operation?”
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the cartels move thier products any way possible.
the overland route between dogbone and columbus has made
many many people in dogbone / aguaprieta rich.
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@ nadien
“the return south . . . sometimes worse.” “If I said this one doesn’t happen as much but increasing, would that be a fair statement?”
Yes, that is accurate. I also believe that your observation that the personnel now being recruited to carry the loads are generally armed (at minimum the leaders/guides are armed) is also true in this area.
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Gallo: Como siempre, eres un caballero excepcional.
Everyone: I found the BR by chance, okay maybe not by chance, I found it by googling Zambada-Niebla. My point is, that Michel’s blog is the only blog out there that has thorough information about what’s going on near the border and in Mexico in English and Spanish. Plus it gives people like me who are unfamiliar with anything that’s going on in Mexico a chance to become familiar. I was very defensive at first, because I felt personally attacked with the “why are you defending scum” comments that were hurled at me. The only insight I can provide is what happens in federal courts in the U.S., because I’m not familiar with Arizona state courts, let alone the environment there.
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@isabella
“I think I did this with Law Abiding Citizen a week ago”
its been more than a week…. just thought i would point that out… lol… = )
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Thanks D_Nephew
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Wow, I stepped away for a few days and all hell broke lose!
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@ gringo chango y nadien,
Lone illegal aliens that far north of the line, doing burglaries and eventually heading south is not a new phenomenon, but probably a bit more prevalent nowadays, than it used to be. I think closer to the border, it has been a way of life for many, for a long time. The ranchers who have lived there for so long see the change in the type of intruders who are traversing their lands. A whole different breed. No more campesinos trickling into the country…these are BAD people. We must take back control of our border!!
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Guevavi writes: “I believe the murderer is most probably an illegal alien, based on what facts are known. And illegal aliens have been stealing, burglarizing and robbing for many years and heading south afterwards, to hawk their ill-gotten booty.”
He or she then links to a case that’s 28 years old? Citing recent cases would helpful, because her claim about “illegal aliens” doing all these evil deeds has certainly not been my experience here in Rio Rico. Nor has it been that of my neighbors.
Personally, I have met and talked with more than 1,000 and, in general, they have one goal: to get the heck out of here and head north as quickly as possible, I’d also trust my life to most of them.
Contrary to Guevavi’s baseless diatribe, the migrants I meet are some of the most trustworthy and decent folk anywhere.
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Good point yanawana, Obama does not want to loose the Hispanic vote.
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i dont really care about the “hispanic” vote. it’s just a manipulation of numbers. everything is rigged as far as i’m concerned. i’m just looking forward to the collapse of this empire and i think we will live to see it which is sad. none of the institutions work for the vulnerable and poor be they whatever color, creed, sexual orientation…what is important is to keep our humanity. anyways, on with the border reporter…
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@ Sacc,
While I may be able to tell others that if they don’t want to be exposed to unpleasant comments, don’t read them, unfortunately, I don’t have that same freedom. If you have a point to make about illegal immigration or organized crime as it relates to the stories posted, then make it. If you want to troll the Internet, take a walk and go to some mainstream media news site. Don’t bring it here.
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You only see what you want to, Jack. Rio Rico? I thought you were in Arivaca? Anyway, here is an portion of a story from the Tucson Weekly from last year:
From February through the end of June, residents of the Chiricahua Corridor suffered through break-ins and drug incidents with regularity. The Weekly has compiled a list of incidents, but it is partial. From the start of this year through May, for instance, Bill Wilbur had nine break-ins at his rental house, but only one is listed here. Other victims are not named to protect the privacy of an already nervous population:
Feb. 27: Attempted break-in at a residence 5 miles south of Portal. Alarm drives off thieves.
Feb 27: Break-in at Apache Elementary School. Digital camera and food stolen. Saul Martinez Morales pleads guilty.
March 17: Break-in at the Popes’ house near Portal. Stolen items and truck damage almost $4,000. Martinez Morales pleads guilty.
April 30: Thirteenth break-in at ranch east of Arizona line in Peloncillo Mountains. $750 worth of tools stolen.
May 3: Break-in at Wilbur’s rental east of Portal, near New Mexico state line. Thieves are so hungry that they try to boil birdseed in a pot on a stove to make it edible. Nine men are arrested, several carrying marijuana backpacks.
May 3: Break-in at Apache Elementary School. Administrators vow to install alarm system. Damage: $100.
May 5: Break-in at residence in Apache, near Geronimo Surrender Monument. Burglars leave freezer door open; all food spoils.
May 6: Break-in at residence on Rock Springs Road, just off Highway 80. Food stolen.
May 8: Break-in at residence off Sulphur Canyon Road south of Portal. Thieves steal two automatic pistols.
May 15: Attempted break-in at a ranch in Rucker Canyon. A rancher sitting on a toilet sees men staring in a window at him.
May 15: Eighth break-in at cabin in Rucker. Nothing left to steal.
May 18: Break-in at teacherage next to Apache Elementary School. Nothing left to steal. Damage: $138.
May 18: Break-in at residence at mouth of Horseshoe Canyon near Highway 80. Thieves kick in front door, steal clothes, and food.
May 27: Break-in at residence on Sunrise Road, 10 miles south of Horseshoe Canyon.
May 28: Break-in at residence east of Horseshoe Canyon. $800 in cash stolen. Thieves leave filthy clothes piled on floor.
June 9: Commercial trailer found parked 100 yards from Apache Elementary School on Highway 80. Inside, Border Patrol finds 2,000 pounds of marijuana. Value: $1.7 million.
June 18: Break-in at Apache Elementary School. Nothing left to steal. Damage: $100.
June 19: Break-in at residence on Sanford Hill, 4 miles south of Portal.
June 22: Four drug mules arrested at Stateline Road.
June 24: Homeowner off Sulphur Canyon Road south of Portal sees six drug mules walking near his house. Law enforcement arrives. Five captured.
June 30: Break-in at residence in Portal. Thieves throw rock through window and try to steal a truck.
http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/chico-and-the-monkey/Content?oid=1344979
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Back in the days of Geronimo, white settlers and ranchers had similar problems with Chiricahua Apaches in the same area of Cochise county. That’s why the U.S. gov’t put soldiers at Soldier Hole near Elfrida. That’s also why Fort Bowie was created in the days of Cochise. History repeats itself…sorta. I’ve spent many a day around the “Chiricahua Corridor” hiking, bike riding, camping etc. and I’ve never once seen more than one Border Patrol unit on hwy 80 or anywhere that far north at any given time during the day. I’ve always wondered why they don’t put up an FOB (forward operating base) in that area so the agents can be on hand and near by when trouble is called in. That have one out in the sticks NW of Nogales and it has about 8-10 agents stationed there. It’s no secret as to how and where the illegals and traffickers prefer to make their way north. Same thing in the San Bernardino Valley around Slaughter’s Ranch. I’ve never seen more than 2 BP units between Douglas and Slaughter’s Ranch at any given time.
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Same problem with Apaches??
Do you mean that the illegals were run off thier land and hunted like dogs and murdered.
By the god fearing rightous white slave owners.
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Tantos: From the long list of reported incidents that you posted, during 4 of those incidents arrests were actually made. Thus, when Martinez-Morales plead guilty in court, I’m sure it was for both incidents – that’s the first arrest. On May 3rd, nine men were arrested. On June 22nd, four were arrested at Stateline Road. And on June 24, five were arrested. You’d have to rely on assumptions as to the rest of the reported incidents if there were no arrests made, thus, it could be anybody.
My favorite is May 15th, where a rancher believed someone was looking at him while he’s using the bathroom. I always think someone is either outside trying to get in or following me home, but it’s just paranoia. At night, it’s usually palm trees when it’s windy outside, but it sucks nonetheless.
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Tantos: Out of the long list of reported incidents, during 4 of those incidents arrests were actually made. The rest you’d have to assume and speculate as to who may have been responsible.
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How is the weapon’s origin know. was the gun left at the scene? If so that disconnects the weapon from the murderer (an experienced move). After the crime why flee on foot when there is a good Polaris to flee on unless you already have a vehicle waiting for you (which would be another experienced move). These thoughts give rise to many more questions.
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@ san carlos apache: The Apaches subjected the Tohono O’odham people to unbelievable cruelty during their raids when they were the dominant force in the region. So guess who signed up to track the Apaches down for the U.S. Cavalry? The Apaches may have solidarity with the T.O.’s now, but they sure didn’t back in the day during the raping, pillaging and enslavement of the T.O.’s by the Apaches. White people don’t have the corner on the market for inhumane behavior.
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@ san carlos apache,
Truth be told here, C1b4udie’s comment is true and I don’t think it was made in spite. For settlers it was a problem, this period in history brought it’s own set of problems for the Apache people and for the Mexican people. The problem then as it is now is U.S. goverment policy. Its been the problem more or less since the mayflower hit the beach. As far as the slave ownership thing goes, not everyone supported slavery thats why there was a civil war, well one of the reasons. I don’t think slavery was too common amoung western settlers. Those that came west for the most part, had the ambition to do there own work. part of that tradition is why we can go missing for 12 hours before anybody worries too much. The plight of the Mexican and the Native American share alot of similarities. They both lost alot. The problem with the U.S. goverment is not they conquered, it’s the way they did it. With Native Americans, small pox infested blankets, extermination of food supply, and yes, hunting them like dogs, later boarding schools to “take the indian out of them”. But lets fast forward a150 years or so and deal with the issues at hand today. We can’t undo the things are grandfathers did. No one can. All we can do is whats right, now. As to what that is, I don’t pretend to know. But I am open to ideas.
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@vinotinto
Great questions
@ Tantos
I would post 4 months worth of crime from Tucson, Pheonix, Nogales, Douglas, or L.A. , It would be just about as relevant. We see your point, but you don’t have a suspect in every case. You are, I believe assuming that all this was done by illegals. Thats about the same as pasting the crime report from Montgomery Al. and saying that all or most of the suspects are black. Wow, look at your population base man. And how many people passed through that area without bothering anybody?
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Vinotinto, I think the sheriffs office was speculating on the weapon. A 9mm Glock was stolen from a nearby ranch at some point before the incident. Somehow without an autopsy they determined that he was shot with a 9mm. Unless it was a through and through shot and the bullet was found on the ground, who knows how they determined this. A .380, as well as a 38 Super (the weapon of choice for many traffickers) would leave a similar entrance wound as the 9mm. Ballistics of all three are very different though. Also, if the suspect were caught while cruising thru the desert on the Polaris, that puts him at or near the crime scene. I would have avoided taking it. I guess most everything that has been reported is speculation at this point.
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Who was is that said,”Man’s favorite sport is not baseball. It’s jumping to conclusions” ???
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@Tantos,
Thank you for the more current datos on the burglaries in the Chiricahua Corridor. They back up my old information nicely. I am not doing anymore than opining about the situation from an informed and experienced view. My view is still speculation, until proven otherwise.
@Jack,
You attack my opinion with absolutely no basis. You know not who I am or what my experiences are. I am a friendly here, just offering my opinion. Be careful, Jack. If you trust most of those illegals you meet while out on your walks, with your life…you are mighty naiive. Mr. Krentz saw many more of those intruders in his many years in the border environment, and was armed with two guns…a rifle and a pistol. And he was wise to the ways of the area. And he was ambushed. And killed. Maybe you should re-think your trust views, as I think they are out of tune with the current border realities.
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@ Michel,
You have a nice, informative gig going here. Thank you for what you do and what you share. I think you have been pretty fair, all around, since I have been reading you. You are outspoken, but not outspoken for the sake of it. You are very well informed, and I enjoy checking your site out. You have good resources and your chismes are pretty under control too. Glad you are here!!
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holly shit. Wow! I have missed a whole lot of entertainment. Damn, I would have loved to comment on some of this. Is it too late? Shucks, I missed it.
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@ guevavi
I am not going to attack your opinion, but I do have a couple of questions. #1 How many illegals do you know on a personal basis? #2 Is it possible that the type of traffic is a little different in the nogales corridor? I don’t mean to belittle your opinions but I am going to make an obsevation here. I think you are basing a large part of your opinion on recent developments. I am not saying that every illegal is perfect and has no mal intent. However to pre judge an entire class of people for the actions of 1, 10, 100, or even 1000 is not fair or correct at least for me. If you feel scared by events and developments you are entitled to those feelings. I can say that I understand, but I do not agree. As I have said here before, if you come here with a closed mind you will learn nothing of value. At least be willing to learn some things you might not be aware of. I would be more than happy to trade info, I am sure you know somethings I don’t. Every person no matter who they are, are accountable for they’re own actions. We need to remember that, in my opinion.
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Ladies and gentlemen, there are several things that have struck me as odd since this story broke. Stick with me here, because I am going out on a limb. Let’s back up a little bit. In the last few weeks a lot of things have happened that lead into this story. The minute men project prior to this event, called people to arms to come to the border to “protect” the rest of us from ileagal invaders. Within a few days, the minute men project was dimanteled. All of the sudden, this guy comes up dead, and the governor, Brewer, is down there screaming border security. Am I missing something. All of it is a little convenient.
I find it odd that the brother took so long to report that his brother was having trouble. Not to mention that the brother could have investigated himself for his brothers safety way earlier. I personally don’t buy the brothers story. Something smells about this one. Has set up written all over it. I wonder who the patsy is gonna be railed for this one. Very fishy.
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siguiendo de regreso las huellas de los asesinatos nocturnas de un hombre de 25 anos de edad en el area oeste de Tucson 1 de Abril, el doble homicidio de una pareja hispana en el lado alejado del oeste Tucson el 29 de Marzo, y el del ranchero de Douglas 27 de Marzo y viendo hacia donde conduce
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@Nadien y Isabella: Maybe you guys missed my larger point which was directed primarily to Jack, who has these romantic notions of the paisanos traveling north. Jack wanted some “current cases” and I remembered that article from the Tucson Weekly. I pasted the link. It is a good story worth reading, and it will give you a better understanding of the background of this current case. It may also be worth noting that the various smuggling organizations have different methods of operation. Some are more violent than others. Maybe Jack has just been lucky over the years, and/or has only come in contact with traditional, less violent polleros and mulas.
Nadien, no. Posting 4 months worth of crime from Tucson, Phoenix, Nogales, Douglas, or L.A. would NOT be just as relevant. These are reports from the general area near the ranch where Krentz was killed. The reports give outsiders a perspective of what the ranchers deal with. My favorite is the May 15 entry: “Nothing left to steal.”
Isabella – spoken like a true defense lawyer. It looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, so…… it must be something else. Let me tally up my billable hours for my brilliant work.
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@nadien
In reply to your questions..1) Not too many currently, but I did know many in past years, and many were very nice and honorable people, other than the fact that they broke our laws. 2) Yes, it is possible, but I believe the traffic in both corridors is very similar.
It was not my intention to leave the impression that I judged all illegals the same. I believe my point was that the ratio of bad hombres to puros campesinos has changed for the worse…dramatically. As Tantos puts it, “romantic notions of paisanos traveling north” is an obsolete idea based on the current ratios. This is just my opinion, which I believe is a well-informed one. But I don’t pretend to be all-knowing and welcome your opinion as well.
I am not scared of the situation, I just recognize it for what I believe it is. I read a recent newspaper report that 6 drug mules were robbed of their load near Pena Blanca Lake, west of Nogales, by 3 armed and masked men. That is a recreational area, that the public should feel some level of safety at. The reality is that the area is NOT safe. Other recreation areas are also more dangerous than they used to be, due to increased dangerous criminal elements. Madera Canyon is another example of the changing times.
Enough already. Thanks for your post and opinion.
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im not saying what happened to the rancher is right but everyone always points to the narco first ask this question did u ever think that the rancher was involved with the narco think about it theres more to it than what has been said….
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im just sayin the rancher and bro might not be as innocent as u might think remember its all about money
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Tantos: You missed our point, which was, that there were few arrests made in the incident reports you mentioned. You would literally have to speculate and assume (without any viable evidence) as to who may have been responsible for the rest of the incidents. Assuming for the sake of assuming is not good enough and I would never support a justice system that would allow that type of underlying sentiment in court. If a potential client is not going to receive a fair trial, based on the community/environment where the trial is taking place, I’m definitely not going to hesitate to request a change of venue.
I don’t know if you know Jack personally, but I wouldn’t accuse anyone of “romantic notions,” simply because they’ve had a different experience than I’ve had. In fact, I’m not from around there and from what I can tell he seems very sensible to what goes on a daily basis. I’m sure that if he does come across anyone, which he stated he has on several occasions, he doesn’t seem like that type that is narrow-minded or the type that would freak out. He seems very aware of his surroundings and basically cool, calm and collected – a man’s man. It takes an extremely intelligent individual to understand people from all walks of life, because most people, simple-minded people don’t really get what life is all about, they only understand their circumstances and their environment. With that said, I may be new to the blog, but I’m extremely intuitive, I can easily sense strengths and weaknesses. At the end of the day, everyone is entitled to their opinion and it’s all the same – just a collaboration of personal opinions.
As to your comment relating to the clichéd and exhausted duck theory… Actually, no, that’s all I have to say about that. You, made the argument for me. So, thank you for that one.
And as to “billable hours,” the criminal defense attorney’s I know don’t bill by the hour. In fact, you know you have a damn good attorney when you’re paying a set amount for his/her representation alone, be it 50K or 100K. Roy Black charges $500,000.00 and upwards in the millions, just to sign a Notice of Appearance in any federal case. F. Lee Bailey (one of the defense attorney’s on O.J.’s dream team), mentioned that, contrary to popular belief, his statement is punishment enough to each of his clients. If you’re going to pay an attorney by the hour you should make sure you’re only getting a divorce. You can never truly reduce a masterful criminal defense attorney’s work simply as “billable hours.” It’s just not going to happen.
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@Guevavi “You attack my opinion with absolutely no basis.”
I’m sorry you regarded my comment as an attack. That was not my intent: I’m as befuddled as everyone else as to the “true” nature of what’s going on here near the border.
But as for my having “no basis?” Well, I cannot deny my personal experience, nor the experiences of my neighbors.
My “basis” (as I wrote) is that I’ve met, conversed with, and sometimes helped more than 1,000 migrants here, most passing through in small “family” groups. And will, because of never once having had a bad encounter, hold firm that the great majority of migrants are people of good character.
My most recent encounter was with 2 migrants from Sinaloa, a father, 48, and his son, 22. They were eating breakfast under a dense mosquite bosque. It had taken them 2 days and a moonless night hiking over the dangerous Atascosas Mountains to reach a spot just 16 miles just north of the border. (Truly heroic, when you think about it.) They were friendly and confident – despite the fact that it was 40F and threatening rain. They asked how far to Tucson. When I told them at least 30 hours by foot, they just smiled. (They were well supplied with food, water, and warm clothing. Had they not been, I would have seen that they were.)
I’m not a “romantic,” but I will admit to empathy, having been born poor in a rural, Appalachian town. Like migrants I meet, I felt the same desperate “push” to get the hell out of there to seek a better life.
Just as is the case in my birth town, Mexico is losing some of its most ambitious and resourceful people.
Meanwhile, I’m curious to learn where you live. Are you writing from personal experience, also? I ask not to challenge or to denigrate your comments. (I admire the questing tone of most of what you write, actually.)
But some of what you posted seemed sort of “canned” to me. (“And illegal aliens have been stealing, burglarizing and robbing for many years and heading south afterwards, to hawk their ill-gotten booty. It happens every day, as I write this.”) I swear I’ve read phrasing like this before.
When I read that, I wanted to ask, “But have you ever met a migrant face to face?”
Should you, you’d learn how human the vast majority of them are. And, maybe, how much their basic motivation resembles that of your own ancestors.
(By the way, my young nieces from Pennsylvania drove to up to Pena Blanca last week. No problem.)
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@ johnny,
I agree. There is more to this than everyone is seeing. Sounds like they were reporting who wasn’t paying.
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@ Jack,
I live away from there now, but used to live in Santa Cruz County, Cochise County, Pinal County for many years. I still frequent SC County regularly. I have met thousands of illegal aliens face to face, and yes, many are very nice people. I am glad you have had positive experiences and hope they continue. My “canned” remarks were just me expressing my own experience and knowledge of the situation. I don’t consider that part of my “diatribe” as opinion, but known fact…to me anyways. You and I are definitely of different opinions on several issues, and that is fine. I respect your right to your opinion. I am sure that I have a few more diatribes left to espouse as well.
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I have not heard or seen any updates on the hunt for the murderer of Mr. Krentz. Please share if you hear anything.
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Some background information on Krentz, the shooting, and the political posturing; the important details remain unreleased.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-04-01/a-border-killing-becomes-political/full/
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Here is another weird one:
ATF agent dies.
A Flagstaff-based agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives shot and killed his wife, then turned a gun on himself Monday evening.
Agent Daniel Raponi, 37, and his wife Jessie, 34, were found dead in their home on the 3800 block of Box Canyon Trail just before midnight, said Lt. Ken Koch of the Flagstaff Police Department.
http://azdailysun.com/news/local/article_60b6d40e-41b1-11df-9179-001cc4c002e0.html
I wonder what the real story…….
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Thats weird somthing fishy going on here
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@jack,
You must be talking about the 60′s.
Times have changed.
This will show you who is currently illegally entering the country:
http://www.borderinvasionpics.com
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[...] Arizona, aan de grens met Mexico, is de staat van senator en voormalig presidentskandidaat John McCain, is een conservatief bolwerk waar immigratie een hot issue is. Dit vanwege de massale immigratie van arme Mexicanen, die zich op grote schaal in de staat vestigen in de hoop op een beter leven. De uit de hand gelopen drugsoorlog ten zuiden van de grens en de toegenomen criminaliteit daar hebben ook zo hun invloed op de staat: hoofdstad Phoenix is (na Mexico Stad) de tweede stad ter wereld qua ontvoeringen. En de laatste tijd vinden er steeds meer drugsgerelateerde moorden plaats, zoals deze. [...]