A judge in Arizona made headlines this week when he walked out of the courtroom in the middle of proceedings, frustrated with the pace of the trial. Judge Thomas Fink of the Santa Cruz County Superior Court is presiding over the trial of rancher George Kelly, who is facing a murder charge in connection with the shooting of Mexican national Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea.
Judge Fink expressed his exasperation with both the defense and the prosecution for what he perceived as unnecessary delays in presenting oral arguments. The trial has focused on determining the circumstances surrounding Cuen-Buitimea's death and the role Kelly played in the incident.
Prosecutors have argued that Kelly fatally shot Cuen-Buitimea, while the defense maintains that Kelly only fired warning shots into the air from his patio earlier in the day. Kelly's wife, Wanda Kelly, testified about contacting their Border Patrol ranch liaison after spotting armed individuals near their home.
The defense has sought to cast doubt on the forensic evidence and autopsy report presented in court, questioning whether it conclusively proves that Cuen-Buitimea was killed by Kelly's gun. Notably, the fatal bullet was never recovered from the scene, and the defense has suggested the possibility of a rip crew being responsible for the shooting.
Kelly, who was initially charged with first-degree murder and held on a $1 million bond, saw the charge reduced to second-degree murder. He declined a plea deal earlier this year that would have reduced the charge further to negligent homicide in exchange for a guilty plea.
The trial is ongoing, with closing arguments expected to take place on April 19. The case has garnered significant attention due to its complex legal and factual issues, as well as the high stakes involved for both the defendant and the prosecution.
