State prosecutors announced on Monday that they will not pursue a retrial for Arizona rancher George Kelly after a judge declared a mistrial due to a hung jury.
Last Monday, Judge Thomas Fink decided to declare a mistrial in the murder trial of Arizona rancher George Alan Kelly when the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
A few weeks ago, jurors deliberated without reaching a verdict.
The following Friday, after over 7 hours of continued deliberations, the jury informed the judge that they were still unable to reach a decision.
Far-left protestors gathered outside the court in Nogales and called for a retrial.
AZ: Protesters were there today demanding justice in the death of 48-year-old Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea—Calling for a retrial. The prosecution opting not to retry the case against 75-year-old George Alan Kelly. pic.twitter.com/ikliBQiFSW
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) April 29, 2024
Reporters caught up with George Kelly as he walked out of court.
“The nightmare is over,” George Kelly told reporters.
A reporter asked George Kelly if he’s worried protestors will show up to his house and he responded, “God will look after me like He always has…”
WATCH:
“The nightmare is over… God will look after me…” Alan Kelly briefly addresses cameras outside the Santa Cruz County courthouse in Nogales after prosecutors decide not to retry the case against him: pic.twitter.com/W9jef9hfvo
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) April 29, 2024
Kelly, aged 75, was arrested for the murder of Gabriel Cuen-Butimea on his Arizona ranch in Kino Springs near Nogales, Mexico on January 30, 2023.
Cuen-Butimea was known to have a history of illegally crossing into the United States and had been deported multiple times.
According to Kelly’s defense team, he fired warning shots in self-defense upon seeing a group of men in camouflage aiming an AK-47 at him.
Later, Kelly found the deceased individual, believed to be a cartel smuggler, while checking on his horse.
The bullet that ended Cuen-Butimea’s life was never recovered, preventing authorities from conducting a ballistics test to verify if it came from Kelly’s AK-47.
Kelly’s lawyers claimed that cartel members were responsible for Cuen-Butimea’s death and robbery.
Despite the Santa Cruz County Attorney’s decision not to pursue a new trial, there are concerns about potential actions from President Biden’s Justice Department against George Kelly.
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