George Alan Kelly
Arizona rancher George Alan Kelly pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault during a hearing Monday.
Kelly, 74, was arrested on Jan. 30 for killing Gabriel Cuen-Butimia at his Arizona ranch in Kino Springs, outside Nogales, Mexico.
According to reports, Gabriel Kuen-Butimia has a history of illegally crossing into the United States and multiple deportations.
According to defense lawyers, Mr. Kelly fired warning shots after seeing a group of men in camouflage clothing.
Attorneys said George Alan Kelly was too cautious to shoot himself in the head.
The rancher later discovers a dead illegal alien who may be a cartel smuggler when he goes to check on his horse.
Kelly was initially charged with first-degree murder, but a judge recently reduced his charge to second-degree murder during an evidentiary hearing in court.
The hearing is scheduled for September 6.
COLD reported:
An Arizona rancher accused of murdering a Mexican man on his property appeared in court Monday.
74-year-old George Alan Kelly made his arraignment in Santa Cruz Superior Court.
He pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault.
Judge Thomas Fink set a trial date for September 6.
Kelly’s attorney, Brenna Larkin, asked the judge for at least a 60-day extension because of the extensive investigation the defense has to do with its own experts.
Kelly previously posted a $1 million bond after raising money through the Christian crowdsourcing site, GiveSendGo.
