The Mexican Consul General in Nogales, Arizona expressed disappointment over the decision by U.S. prosecutors not to retry George Alan Kelly, a 75-year-old American rancher accused of fatally shooting a Mexican man on his property. The case ended in a mistrial after the jury failed to reach a verdict last week.
Kelly had been charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea, a 48-year-old man from Nogales, Mexico. Prosecutors alleged that Kelly recklessly fired shots towards a group of men near the U.S. southern border, while Kelly maintained that he only fired warning shots in the air and did not aim at anyone directly.
The decision not to retry Kelly was welcomed by his defense attorney, who stated that Kelly and his wife had been enduring a difficult time and can now find some relief. However, the Mexican Consul General mentioned exploring other options, including a civil process, possibly a lawsuit.
The involvement of the Mexican government in the case was questioned by Kelly's attorney, who highlighted the victim's history of illegal entry into the U.S. The consulate in Nogales, Arizona, has pledged to continue supporting Cuen-Buitimea's family, with consular officials present during the trial to assist the victim's daughters.
The trial took place amid a heightened focus on border security due to the ongoing U.S. presidential election race. Jurors were taken to Kelly's ranch and a section of the U.S.-Mexico border as part of the proceedings.
