The murder investigation of Arizona rancher George Alan Kelly is being influenced by cartel connections, according to the defense team. Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway is expected to testify about traveling to Mexico to interview the prosecution’s main witness. The sheriff referenced the Kelly case in a YouTube video, mentioning a rancher who wrote fan fiction about hunting migrants and ended up shooting and killing one. The defense consultant criticized these comments as biased and inappropriate toward the defendant.
Kelly’s wife testified that armed men were near their property, prompting Kelly to fire warning shots before finding a body on his ranch. Initially charged with first-degree murder, the charges were later downgraded to second-degree murder. Detective Barba testified that Hathaway interviewed the key witness in Mexico for only about six minutes out of 40, without involving Mexican officials. The defense believes the investigation is being influenced by cartel connections related to the witness and those involved in the case.
According to the defense consultant, the notion that Buitimea was an innocent migrant seeking the American dream is false, as he had a history of drug smuggling. The defense team also raised concerns about Hathaway’s conduct in Mexico, alleging violations of U.S. State Department protocols and Mexican law regarding international investigations. Hathaway’s comments in the YouTube video about border enforcement policies and criticism of other sheriffs for addressing the border crisis were also scrutinized.
The defense team disputes the prosecution’s theory that Kelly randomly decided to kill a Mexican, given his background and cooperation with law enforcement. The defense believes that the witnesses involved in the case, including Ramirez, are connected to the Sinaloa Cartel and are not innocent migrants seeking a better life in America. Questions have been raised about the conduct of law enforcement officials, such as Hathaway, in the case and their potential ties to criminal organizations involved in drug smuggling and violence along the border.
The defense consultant further criticized the video statements made by Hathaway, calling them prejudicial and biased against Kelly. The defense questioned the handling of the investigation by law enforcement officials and raised concerns about possible cartel influence in the case. The defense team believes that the motives and actions of the witnesses and those involved in the prosecution are being misrepresented with the narrative of innocent migrants pursuing the American dream.
The defense team will continue to challenge the prosecution’s case against Kelly, highlighting inconsistencies in witness testimonies and the conduct of law enforcement officials. The defense consultant emphasized the need for a fair trial and the importance of addressing any potential biases or cartel connections that may impact the outcome of the case. As the trial progresses, further evidence and testimonies are expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the murder case and the involvement of cartel influences.
