Mistrial Declared in Case of Arizona Rancher Accused of Killing Migrant Trespasser

Chris Menahan
InformationLiberation
Apr. 22, 2024

A mistrial was declared on Monday in the case of George Alan Kelly, an Arizona rancher who was accused of fatally shooting a Mexican national who trespassed on his border property in January last year, after one juror out of eight refused to acquit him of second-degree murder.

From Fox 10 Phoenix, "George Kelly trial: Mistrial declared for Arizona border rancher accused of killing migrant":

"Based upon the jury's inability to reach a verdict on any count," Judge Thomas Fink said, "This case is in mistrial."

The Santa Cruz County Attorney's Office can still decide whether to retry Kelly for any charge, or drop the case all together.

A status hearing was scheduled for next Monday afternoon, when prosecutors could inform the judge if they plan to refile the case. Prosecutors did not immediately respond to emailed requests for additional comment.

Kelly's co-counsel Kathy Lowthorp told the media that 7 out of eight jurors said he was not guilty but one juror's refusal to budge caused the mistrial:

#BREAKING George Alan Kelly’s co-counsel Kathy Lowthorp walks out of court after judge declares mistrial—She says it was 7 to 1 for a not guilty verdict—One juror thought he was guilty of 2nd degree murder (or lesser charges to include negligent homicide and manslaughter).

The… pic.twitter.com/LRJBczMowp
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) April 23, 2024

George Kelly told the media after leaving court, "I'm gonna say one thing to everybody... It is what it is and it will be what it will be."

"Let me go home," Kelly added.

“Let me go home,” George Alan Kelly speaks after the mistrial was declared. The Mexican Consulate said they hope the state will re-try the case and justice will be served. pic.twitter.com/IDYpaM806C
— Adam Klepp (@AdamKleppAZ) April 23, 2024

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