A jury in southern Arizona is currently deliberating in the trial of a 75-year-old rancher charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of an unarmed migrant on his property near the U.S.-Mexico border. The incident occurred on January 30, 2023, when the rancher fired shots from an AK-47 rifle towards a group of men, resulting in the death of 48-year-old Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea, who lived in Nogales, Mexico.
Court records indicate that Cuen-Buitimea had previously entered the U.S. illegally multiple times and had been deported in 2016. The prosecutor argued that the rancher recklessly fired shots, causing fatal injuries to Cuen-Buitimea, who was found unarmed 115 yards away from the ranch house.
The defense claimed that the rancher fired warning shots in the air and was justified in using deadly force due to feeling threatened. The trial included testimonies from witnesses, including the rancher's wife and a companion of the victim, who described the events leading up to the shooting.
Prosecutors highlighted inconsistencies in the rancher's statements to law enforcement regarding the number of men on his property and their proximity. The defense argued for the rancher's innocence, stating that he was in a life-threatening situation and did not intend to harm anyone.
The jury is considering charges of second-degree murder, reckless manslaughter, and negligent homicide. If convicted of second-degree murder, the rancher faces a minimum prison sentence of 10 years. The trial, which began on March 22, has attracted attention amid ongoing debates on border security and immigration policies.
