Ariz. Rancher Charged with Mexican Man’s Murder Framed by ‘Traffickers’: Defense

The elderly Arizona rancher charged with murdering a Mexican national on his property is being framed by violent traffickers who have been using his lands for illicit activities, his defense argued Wednesday.

George Alan Kelly, 75, faces one first-degree murder charge and two assault charges for the Jan. 30 death of Gabriel Cuen-Butimea, 48, on his ranch on the border outside Nogales, Ariz.

In Santa Cruz County court, however, Kelly’s defense attorney Brenna Larkin said her client was being targeted by smugglers who were intimidating witnesses and skewing the investigation.

“Absolutely the least likely thing that happened in this case is that Mr. Kelly randomly decided to … start shooting at random people,” Larkin argued, noting that there was a “large incentive” for deceitful witnesses to come forward after “succumbing to pressure from traffickers.”

Larkin alleged the traffickers are interested in “securing their route” through Kelly’s property, and are using his case as a message to others not to challenge them. (Read more from “Ariz. Rancher Charged with Mexican Man’s Murder Framed by ‘Traffickers’: Defense” HERE)

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