Mistrial Declared For Arizona Rancher Accused Of Murdering Illegal Immigrant Trespassing On Property

[Valin]

The Daily Wire

Leif Le Mahieu
Apr 23, 2024

A judge declared a mistrial on Monday in the case of a 75-year-old Arizona rancher accused of murdering an illegal immigrant trespassing on his property after a jury could not reach a verdict after several days of deliberation. 

George Alan Kelly had been accused of second-degree murder over the death of 48-year-old Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea, who was shot in January 2023. The jury started deliberating on Thursday after a four-week trial and could not reach a unanimous decision by Monday. 

“Based upon the jury’s inability to reach a verdict on any count,” Judge Thomas Fink said, “This case is in mistrial.”

A status hearing will take place on April 29 to determine whether prosecutors will attempt another trial. Kelly pled not guilty in March 2023 to the murder charge as well as a count of aggravated assault. 

“It’s a victory,” said defense lawyer Kathy Lowthorp of the mistrial, The Epoch Times reported. “It’s the second best answer – not guilty, and then a mistrial. So either way, it’s a win, just not the perfect win.”

(Snip)

[Geee]

ARIZONA Judge declares mistrial in case of Arizona rancher charged with murder of Mexican national on border property