Rancher George Alan Kelly, who killed Mexican migrant on his property, can’t be re-tried for murder, judge rules
SUMMARY
An Arizona judge ruled that 75-year-old rancher George Alan Kelly, who allegedly fatally shot Mexican illegal Gabriel Cuen Buitimea with an AK-47 as he trespassed onto Kelly’s property, cannot be retried for murder following an April mistrial. Judge Thomas Fink cited Kelly’s advanced age, poor health, and memory loss, stating a retrial would unfairly disadvantage the defense. Kelly, accused of shooting Buitimea and another illegal fleeing U.S. Border Patrol agents, was initially charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault. The judge stated that too much time had passed for a retrial, further supporting Kelly's defense.
