Phoenix, Arizona – A trial is commencing to address the case of an Arizona rancher facing charges in the fatal shooting of a migrant on his property near the Mexico border. The trial takes place amidst heightened discussions surrounding border security as the nation gears up for the upcoming presidential election.
George Alan Kelly, the 75-year-old rancher, is accused of second-degree murder in connection to the shooting of a man on his property located outside Nogales, Arizona. The trial, set to unfold in Santa Cruz County Superior Court, is anticipated to last for approximately a month. Previously offered a plea deal that would have lessened the charges, Kelly opted to reject it in favor of contesting the accusation.
The incident, which occurred on January 30, 2023, involved Kelly encountering 48-year-old Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea from neighboring Nogales, Mexico, near the border. Authorities state that Kelly fired shots at a group of unarmed migrants passing through his expansive cattle ranch in the Kino Springs area, resulting in Cuen-Buitimea’s death. While prosecutors claim that Kelly acted recklessly by discharging his AK-47 rifle towards the migrants, Kelly’s legal representation argues that he fired warning shots into the air out of fear for his safety, his wife’s safety, and the protection of his property.
Cuen-Buitimea had a history of illegal entry into the United States, leading to convictions and deportations, with his most recent deportation occurring in 2016. The Mexican consulate in Nogales, Arizona, has been providing support to the victim’s family as the case unfolds. This shooting has reignited debates over border security, closely following a similar incident in West Texas involving twin brothers arrested for fatally shooting a migrant and injuring another.
The prevalence of such tragedies has intensified the focus on border security in the context of the upcoming presidential election, with key political figures like Donald Trump and Joe Biden taking contrasting approaches during their visits to the Texas-Mexico border in late February. The outcome of Kelly’s trial is poised to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding immigration policies and border protection in the United States.