A mistrial has been declared in the trial of George Alan Kelly, charged with the murder of Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea on his Arizona ranch, fuelling ongoing debates on U.S. border security amid a presidential election year.
In Nogales, Arizona, a mistrial was declared in the trial of George Alan Kelly, a 75-year-old rancher, charged with the second-degree murder of 48-year-old Mexican national Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea. The incident, which occurred on Kelly’s ranch near the U.S.-Mexico border, involved Kelly allegedly firing nine shots towards a group of men, fatally shooting Cuen-Buitimea. Kelly has maintained that he only fired warning shots.
The case has captured considerable attention due to its timing within a presidential election year, highlighting ongoing debates around U.S. border security. The prosecution and defense provided contrasting narratives, with the former accusing Kelly of recklessness, and the latter claiming self-defense. The jury was allowed to visit the scene; however, the judge rejected media requests to join.
Kelly had earlier rejected a plea deal for a lesser charge of negligent homicide. He also faced charges of aggravated assault related to another individual in the migrant group. Court records indicated that Cuen-Buitimea had previously been deported to Mexico in 2016 after several illegal entries into the United States.
The decision to declare a mistrial leaves the case unresolved, continuing the uncertainty for both the defendant and the family of the deceased.
